TILT prioritizes grassland bird management as part of habitat restoration and maintenance across its preserves.
Grassland birds, like the Bobolink, Upland Sandpiper and Henslow’s Sparrow, rely on grasslands for nesting, feeding, or other life cycle needs.
At Zenda Farms Preserve, grasslands are hayed annually, but cutting is delayed until after August 1 to protect young birds until they have fledged. This same management approach is applied at many Grindstone Island Preserves, where annual mowing maintains grasslands, prevents forest succession, and supports essential grassland bird habitats.
Management Success
For nearly 40 years, TILT has actively managed habitats for grassland birds. The 2022 State of the Birds report noted that grassland birds have suffered the biggest bird declines of any terrestrial biome since 1970. One-quarter of this group are Tipping Point species, including Henslow’s Sparrow and Bobolink. Work is being done to focus conservation and restoration on the best remaining grassland habitat, using the successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act as a model.
While TILT has helped stabilize grassland bird populations, more work is needed to restore them to healthier levels. TILT remains committed to supporting these vital species for future generations.
To learn more about Grassland Bird Management, visit New York Audubon.
MAPS
Illustrations by Bob McNamara, The Art of the Wild