Bird Alert!

In the last forty years, the populations of savannah sparrows and bobolinks, two species of grassland birds, have experienced a slow but steady decline of 1 percent annually.

While this may not sound like much, the decline has been grave enough to call many ecologists into action. In a recent interview with Neil Buckley, a biologist at Plattsburgh State University, he explains why these species are under pressure and what his research team is doing to prevent it.

Being Habitat Specific

Savannah sparrows and bobolinks are birds that breed only in grassland environments. Most grassland birds have the option to nest in alternate regions, which sustains their population. Savannah sparrows and bobolinks don't have this luxury.

Adding to their breeding woes, grassland farmers tend to cut their fields in the middle of the birds' nesting phase. Also, abandoned land that may have been suitable for nesting at one point has not been maintained, and is, over time, turned into woodland forest. In turn, the savannah sparrows and bobolinks lose the habitat they need to survive.

bird doctor
photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement at PSU
Buckley checking in with a resident sparrow

Beginning the Fieldwork

Buckley is now working in a cooperative study with colleagues from the University of Vermont. The team possesses both agricultural and ecological interests and is funded by the Department of Agriculture.

This past summer marked their first year of fieldwork in northern New York and Vermont. They are attempting to measure how well these birds reproduce and what factors influence their breeding. An extensive series of road surveys have also been conducted to monitor the presence, or absence, of the birds in a particular habitat. Most importantly, the research team is focusing on the educational aspect of this study, which is reaching out to educate farmers on the situation at hand.

babies
photo courtesy of: Institutional Advancement at PSU
The babies in harm's way

Let the Grass Grow

A possible solution requires farmers to slightly modify their cutting schedules so that these birds can nurture their young. However, farmers are presently under economic pressures due to low milk prices and don't have much room for change. Buckley believes there may be a way to work with these farmers by developing a compensation scheme so they can delay their cutting.

Additionally, the research team would like to identify land that people own but may not be using, so that it can be maintained as an appropriate habitat. The main goal is to promote alternative cutting times throughout the year in order to maximize species protection without disrupting the local agriculture.

The research is aimed at reducing the amount of grassland degradation that is currently taking place, not only avoiding the complete loss of these species. According to Buckley, "most people don't realize how these birds contribute to the quality of life. They're aesthetically beautiful creations of nature that will not be missed until they're gone."

Any questions? Email us.

{story}