In Connecticut, they are found mostly in hayfields. Only three state wildlife management areas have bobolink habitats; they are Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, Pomfret Audubon in Pomfret, and Storrs. Bobolinks have been shot as agricultural pests in the southern United States, trapped and sold as pets in Argentina, and collected as food in Jamaica. The species is not as abundant as it was several decades ago primarily because of changing land-use practices- especially the decline of meadows and hay fields. The Bobolink's tenacity and adaptability, however, should continue to serve it well.
Describe their habitat - Bobolinks need a habitat that provides food, water and shelter. Also, they depend on grasslands habitats like hayfields …show more content…
population has declined by over 2% per year between 1966 and 2015, resulting in a cumulative decline of 65%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
Ground based nests are very vulnerable to predators. Many of the “usual suspects” of egg and nestling predators affect bobolink nests (including skunks, raccoons, foxes, and snakes). A surprising bobolink nestling predator is the white-tailed deer. It is not known how many nestlings are eaten by deer each year, but up to 70% of bobolink eggs and nestlings are lost to predation each breeding season.
Other species that breed in same habitat- The grasshopper, sparrow, upland sandpiper, meadowlark, savannah sparrows, and vesper sparrow.
Management practices that support grasslands/ground nesting birds- change mowing times on fields- we will greatly increase their reproductive success and halt the decline of these species.
Do not mow fields from May 15 through Early July
Collect the cut hay no more than twice a year
Discourage the growth of forbs and woody vegetation
Reduce disturbance during the breeding season
Limit foot traffic (people on trails)
Dogs must be on leash or not allowed during nesting
No major events in/near nesting grounds during nesting (mid-May-early July)
Reclaim field edges and enlarge fields where …show more content…
The topography is flat to highly sloped.Horsebarn Hill is forested on the perimeter.
Assessment of suitability of the property for bobolinks-
Regions suitable for boblinks include areas that are currently grasslands, away from buildings and barns, with limited human traffic.
*Identify site on Horsebarn hill where bobolink choose to nest and explain why- see link http://ctenvirothon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/BobolinkText.pdf (map)
They choose to nest in the open areas of the field because bobolinks avoid areas that have buildings, structures, or walking paths.
Effect of manure application on water quality-
The influx of nitrogen and phosphorus from manure moves the system out of balance. Eutrophication of neighboring waterways like streams, lakes, ponds, etc. may occur. Aquatic plants and algae grow rapidly and can release toxins in the water that can be harmful to people, pets, or livestock.
Management of pastures and hay fields affect on soil health-
Over fertilizing and not replacing nutrients negatively impacts soil health Soil nutrients change with activities like tilling, turning over,
Describe their habitat - Bobolinks need a habitat that provides food, water and shelter. Also, they depend on grasslands habitats like hayfields …show more content…
population has declined by over 2% per year between 1966 and 2015, resulting in a cumulative decline of 65%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
Ground based nests are very vulnerable to predators. Many of the “usual suspects” of egg and nestling predators affect bobolink nests (including skunks, raccoons, foxes, and snakes). A surprising bobolink nestling predator is the white-tailed deer. It is not known how many nestlings are eaten by deer each year, but up to 70% of bobolink eggs and nestlings are lost to predation each breeding season.
Other species that breed in same habitat- The grasshopper, sparrow, upland sandpiper, meadowlark, savannah sparrows, and vesper sparrow.
Management practices that support grasslands/ground nesting birds- change mowing times on fields- we will greatly increase their reproductive success and halt the decline of these species.
Do not mow fields from May 15 through Early July
Collect the cut hay no more than twice a year
Discourage the growth of forbs and woody vegetation
Reduce disturbance during the breeding season
Limit foot traffic (people on trails)
Dogs must be on leash or not allowed during nesting
No major events in/near nesting grounds during nesting (mid-May-early July)
Reclaim field edges and enlarge fields where …show more content…
The topography is flat to highly sloped.Horsebarn Hill is forested on the perimeter.
Assessment of suitability of the property for bobolinks-
Regions suitable for boblinks include areas that are currently grasslands, away from buildings and barns, with limited human traffic.
*Identify site on Horsebarn hill where bobolink choose to nest and explain why- see link http://ctenvirothon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/BobolinkText.pdf (map)
They choose to nest in the open areas of the field because bobolinks avoid areas that have buildings, structures, or walking paths.
Effect of manure application on water quality-
The influx of nitrogen and phosphorus from manure moves the system out of balance. Eutrophication of neighboring waterways like streams, lakes, ponds, etc. may occur. Aquatic plants and algae grow rapidly and can release toxins in the water that can be harmful to people, pets, or livestock.
Management of pastures and hay fields affect on soil health-
Over fertilizing and not replacing nutrients negatively impacts soil health Soil nutrients change with activities like tilling, turning over,