UPDATE: Due to the predicted thunderstorms tomorrow morning, we feel the safest option is to cancel this event. There is no rain date scheduled. We are very sorry for the inconvenience!
If you are interested in observing bobolinks, we invite you to walk the fields here at DRA Great Salt Bay Farm on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta, or the fields at Round Top Farm (accessible by parking at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site due to construction at Round Top). There are many nesting birds in both locations.
If you have specific questions or concerns about managing your own property to benefit grassland birds, we encourage you to be in touch with Laura Suomi-Lecker, Project Manager of the grassland bird Agricultural Allies program for Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, and education and outreach coordinator for Avian Haven Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Freedom.
Loss of grassland habitat is a major factor in the steep population decline of grassland birds throughout the northeast, including bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and savannah sparrows. Additionally, today’s standard field mowing practices often result in total nest failure of these birds.
Consequently, the State of the Birds Report, released by the US Secretary of the Interior, placed bobolinks on the 2014 watchlist of birds most in need of conservation help.
Laura Suomi-Lecker, Project Manager of the grassland bird Agricultural Allies program for Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, and education and outreach coordinator for Avian Haven Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Freedom, will discuss the needs and issues facing grassland birds and best management practices to help them, whether you live on a suburban lot, have acres out in the country, or manage a farm.
Register by calling 207-563-1393 by July 4.
PLEASE NOTE: parking for this event is next to Darrows Barn, accessed by following the driveway loop to the left of the farmhouse construction project.
This event will take place rain or shine.
Bobolink photo by Andrea Westmoreland.
