I can’t say that I’m a regular reader of Ontario Beef magazine, but an article in the February 2012 edition by Gerald Rollins caught our attention. Rollins, a beef farmer and director on the board of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, may well be affected by certain elements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
More specifically, he understands well that pastures and hayfields provide important habitat for two grassland bird species: bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks. Both of these birds are on the province’s endangered species list and their declines can be linked to habitat loss and habitat disturbance.
We’ve been working closely with the farming community on ways to protect bobolinks. These striking little birds nest in hayfields and lightly grazed pastures, and were doing just fine until the end of the 20th century when hay harvesting started to occur earlier and more frequently, right around the time bobolinks’ eggs are hatching, habitat loss accelerated and pesticide use became more widespread in South America where the birds spend the winter. The plunge in bobolink numbers has been dramatic. Between 1968 and 2008, bobolinks have declined by 65% in Ontario. One study showed that 96% of eggs and nestlings are destroyed during early hay cropping.
The only way to save these birds is by working together. As Rollins writes: “The successful recovery of bobolink and eastern meadowlark will require the support and participation of the agricultural community.” The Ontario government granted farmers a three-year exemption to the ESA, meaning that they won’t be penalized for accidentally harming or killing the birds. During this time, conservationists and farmers can craft a plan that protects this charismatic songbird without adversely affecting a farmer’s livelihood.
A Bobolink Round Table Advisory Group has been struck, co-chaired, fittingly, by Bette Jean Crews, former Ontario Federation of Agriculture President, and Jon McCracken of Bird Studies Canada. We wholeheartedly endorse this innovative and proactive approach to collaboration. We can all learn from each other. As Rollins says, “We are confident that a mutually beneficial solution will be reached.” In three years’ time, we’ll be ready with a plan that suits everyone including the singing bobolink.
Victoria Foote was Ontario Nature's director of communications and editor of ON Nature magazine.
I’m not from Ontario Canada, I’m from Northeast Iowa.
I am very interested in protecting the Bobolinks.
I own 93 acres whereas around 40 acres out of 93 is very good habitat.
To keep the habitat in check I spray to remove wild parsnip, golden rod, multiflora rose, and other nasty forbs.
I also spent around $15,000 to remove trees a brush because I know the Bobolinks are edge sensitive birds.
How small of an area or acres will bobolinks nest in?
Thanks for your response and supporting this wonderful grassland bird.
There is one report that suggests Bobolink will not occupy grasslands unless they reach 25-75 acres in size. This paper also suggests that Bobolink abundance increases as hayfields age (> 3 years old). This report is from 2001, so there may be more recent findings than this. The full reference and link to the report is below.
Dechant, J.A., M.L. Sondreal, D.H. Johnson, L.D. Igl, C.M. Goldade, A.L. Zimmerman, and B.R. Euliss. 2001. Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Bobolink. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. 24 pages.
Based on the habitat description for Bobolink listed on the MNRF website, it says: On average territories are 1.2 ha (or approximately the area within 60 m of a nest), but it may vary depending on local conditions (mnr_sar_ghd_bblnk_en.pdf (ontario.ca))
It could also be helpful to reach out to individuals at Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario (https://www.beco-birds.org/projects/). They’ve done a lot of research on Bobolinks in collaboration with farmers in Ontario, so they could probably offer guidance.
Fromberger, M. A., A. J. Campomizzi, Z. M. Lebrun-Southcott, A. L. Pintaric, N. M. MacDonald, and E. Nol. 2020. Factors affecting Bobolink nest survival across grassland types. Avian Conservation and Ecology 15(2):13. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-01666-150213
We discovered we had a pair of Bobolinks in our tall hay field about 5 years ago. Since then we have made it a point not to cut that field until we see the fledglings flying on the wind. This year we have too many pairs to count. The nursery has been very productive with Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows and Meadowlarks. We also installed nesting boxes for the Tree Swallows, another huge success. We live in eastern Ontario. It’s such a long wait to see them back in the spring after they leave in the summer. Their song is one of the nicest of all songbirds. It is our pleasure to provide a sanctuary for these grassland birds.
A population of Bobolink use a landfill site with open unmown grassland area. Was a treat through nesting season, i had never seen one before. I kept my dogs on leash during this time. They seem to have moved on now, no sign of them. I noticed that dirt bikes and four wheelers began to use this area during the end of the nesting time. I believe it wouldn’t take much to protect this area. Would one contact local Conservation authority? There is plenty of area away from the Bobolink habitat to accommodate offroad adventure, just some signage and a bit of fencing. If you have advice would be appreciated
I was heartbroken this summer to see all the bobolink and meadowlark habitat around our property mowed at the end of June. I’d like to approach neighbouring farms to start a discussion about delaying mowing, but what about the economic loss for farmers of waiting till the middle or end of summer? Isn’t the hay at its best nutritionally at the end of June?
We will be haying this week (August 15th) after checking with a publication put out by our local Field Naturalists that contains fledge dates as well as a lot of other information about local birds.
We recently bought an 80 acre mixed property, hayfields, wetlands and woods. We are in the southeast part of the province. Bobolinks fledge as late as August 2nd and Meadowlarks August 12th here. We were delighted to see almost 24 juvenile Bobolinks on August 4th and a couple juvenile Meadowlarks on the 12th.
So as a land owner , what should I advise the farmer who cuts the hay in our fields? I’m looking for specific dates that it would be “safe” to cut in order to preserve the bobolinks. We’re in southwestern Ontario.
I’ve read to delaying cutting until beginning of July and then other places say wait until mid-July. Which is most accurate for this year in our area ? How early in the season can the cut be done perhaps before the birds start to nest?
Thank you for your interest and concern! For bobolink, cutting before mid July is a problem in southern Ontario. The period from the end of May to July 15 is when the nesting and fledging of young occur. However, if possible, it is best not to cut hay between the end of May and the end of July. Not cutting in the last two weeks of July would also accommodate second nesting attempts (for those birds who lost their nests when surrounding fields were cut).
Another consideration is eastern meadowlark, a grassland species recently added to Ontario’s endangered species list. Nesting for this bird begins in early May. So if meadowlark are likely to be present, it would be best not to cut between the beginning of May and the end of July, if possible. Note that meadowlark is also covered by the ESA exemption for farming practices: cutting hayfields is allowed at any time, and delay of cutting would be voluntary.
You are right, Harry, in your observation. However, since the farmers out west eliminated most of the tallgrass prarie habitat, bobolinks ventured and filled grasslands opening up further east (cowbirds followed!). Bobolinks are now spread thin over a wider area and the only way to save them is through concerted efforts by all concerned. Down here, in Vermont, we are also eliciting support from private landowners who depend less on income from the land.
We’re doing some work with Trent University to study whether changing hay cutting patterns can impact Bobolink nesting success. However, there is another dimension to this discussion. Bobolink are native to tallgrass prairie and meadows, not Ontario forests. They moved in after farmers cleared the land. If farmers created the habitat for the Bobolink where none existed before, should we be responsible for maintaining it at all costs?
Hi Victoria:-
I have about twenty five pairs of Bobolink nesting on my farm near Neustadt. They have been there every year since my father and mother bought the farm in the early 1950’s. They have always co-habited with the Red Wing Blackbirds and together fend off the Northern Harriers as best they can. It is (was) a well kept secret. Best Regards
Bryan
Very intresting to hear about the fate of the Bobolink, especially as I am in Ottawa at the moment and still have great memories of seeing them in Manitoba last summer.
It sounds very comparable to the Scottish story of the Corncrake and how its recovery through the grass, hay and silage fields, and adjustment of cutting dates, has been helped by a positive collaborative approach.
I’m not from Ontario Canada, I’m from Northeast Iowa.
I am very interested in protecting the Bobolinks.
I own 93 acres whereas around 40 acres out of 93 is very good habitat.
To keep the habitat in check I spray to remove wild parsnip, golden rod, multiflora rose, and other nasty forbs.
I also spent around $15,000 to remove trees a brush because I know the Bobolinks are edge sensitive birds.
How small of an area or acres will bobolinks nest in?
Thanks for your response and supporting this wonderful grassland bird.
Hi Daniel,
There is one report that suggests Bobolink will not occupy grasslands unless they reach 25-75 acres in size. This paper also suggests that Bobolink abundance increases as hayfields age (> 3 years old). This report is from 2001, so there may be more recent findings than this. The full reference and link to the report is below.
Dechant, J.A., M.L. Sondreal, D.H. Johnson, L.D. Igl, C.M. Goldade, A.L. Zimmerman, and B.R. Euliss. 2001. Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Bobolink. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. 24 pages.
Link: Effects of Management Practices on Grassland Birds: Bobolink (unl.edu) (https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=usgsnpwrc)
Based on the habitat description for Bobolink listed on the MNRF website, it says: On average territories are 1.2 ha (or approximately the area within 60 m of a nest), but it may vary depending on local conditions (mnr_sar_ghd_bblnk_en.pdf (ontario.ca))
It could also be helpful to reach out to individuals at Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario (https://www.beco-birds.org/projects/). They’ve done a lot of research on Bobolinks in collaboration with farmers in Ontario, so they could probably offer guidance.
Fromberger, M. A., A. J. Campomizzi, Z. M. Lebrun-Southcott, A. L. Pintaric, N. M. MacDonald, and E. Nol. 2020. Factors affecting Bobolink nest survival across grassland types. Avian Conservation and Ecology 15(2):13. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-01666-150213
Noah,
Ontario Nature
We discovered we had a pair of Bobolinks in our tall hay field about 5 years ago. Since then we have made it a point not to cut that field until we see the fledglings flying on the wind. This year we have too many pairs to count. The nursery has been very productive with Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows and Meadowlarks. We also installed nesting boxes for the Tree Swallows, another huge success. We live in eastern Ontario. It’s such a long wait to see them back in the spring after they leave in the summer. Their song is one of the nicest of all songbirds. It is our pleasure to provide a sanctuary for these grassland birds.
A population of Bobolink use a landfill site with open unmown grassland area. Was a treat through nesting season, i had never seen one before. I kept my dogs on leash during this time. They seem to have moved on now, no sign of them. I noticed that dirt bikes and four wheelers began to use this area during the end of the nesting time. I believe it wouldn’t take much to protect this area. Would one contact local Conservation authority? There is plenty of area away from the Bobolink habitat to accommodate offroad adventure, just some signage and a bit of fencing. If you have advice would be appreciated
I was heartbroken this summer to see all the bobolink and meadowlark habitat around our property mowed at the end of June. I’d like to approach neighbouring farms to start a discussion about delaying mowing, but what about the economic loss for farmers of waiting till the middle or end of summer? Isn’t the hay at its best nutritionally at the end of June?
We will be haying this week (August 15th) after checking with a publication put out by our local Field Naturalists that contains fledge dates as well as a lot of other information about local birds.
We recently bought an 80 acre mixed property, hayfields, wetlands and woods. We are in the southeast part of the province. Bobolinks fledge as late as August 2nd and Meadowlarks August 12th here. We were delighted to see almost 24 juvenile Bobolinks on August 4th and a couple juvenile Meadowlarks on the 12th.
Wonderful! Enjoy these pretty songbirds!
So as a land owner , what should I advise the farmer who cuts the hay in our fields? I’m looking for specific dates that it would be “safe” to cut in order to preserve the bobolinks. We’re in southwestern Ontario.
I’ve read to delaying cutting until beginning of July and then other places say wait until mid-July. Which is most accurate for this year in our area ? How early in the season can the cut be done perhaps before the birds start to nest?
Thank you for your interest and concern! For bobolink, cutting before mid July is a problem in southern Ontario. The period from the end of May to July 15 is when the nesting and fledging of young occur. However, if possible, it is best not to cut hay between the end of May and the end of July. Not cutting in the last two weeks of July would also accommodate second nesting attempts (for those birds who lost their nests when surrounding fields were cut).
Another consideration is eastern meadowlark, a grassland species recently added to Ontario’s endangered species list. Nesting for this bird begins in early May. So if meadowlark are likely to be present, it would be best not to cut between the beginning of May and the end of July, if possible. Note that meadowlark is also covered by the ESA exemption for farming practices: cutting hayfields is allowed at any time, and delay of cutting would be voluntary.
You are right, Harry, in your observation. However, since the farmers out west eliminated most of the tallgrass prarie habitat, bobolinks ventured and filled grasslands opening up further east (cowbirds followed!). Bobolinks are now spread thin over a wider area and the only way to save them is through concerted efforts by all concerned. Down here, in Vermont, we are also eliciting support from private landowners who depend less on income from the land.
We’re doing some work with Trent University to study whether changing hay cutting patterns can impact Bobolink nesting success. However, there is another dimension to this discussion. Bobolink are native to tallgrass prairie and meadows, not Ontario forests. They moved in after farmers cleared the land. If farmers created the habitat for the Bobolink where none existed before, should we be responsible for maintaining it at all costs?
Yes.
Hi Victoria:-
I have about twenty five pairs of Bobolink nesting on my farm near Neustadt. They have been there every year since my father and mother bought the farm in the early 1950’s. They have always co-habited with the Red Wing Blackbirds and together fend off the Northern Harriers as best they can. It is (was) a well kept secret. Best Regards
Bryan
That’s wonderful Bryan! You must love hearing them sing in the spring time.
Very intresting to hear about the fate of the Bobolink, especially as I am in Ottawa at the moment and still have great memories of seeing them in Manitoba last summer.
It sounds very comparable to the Scottish story of the Corncrake and how its recovery through the grass, hay and silage fields, and adjustment of cutting dates, has been helped by a positive collaborative approach.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/262706-corncrake-recovery-back-on-track
Thanks for letting us know about the Corncrake. As you say, it’s a similar situation.