Date: 4/14/25 7:32 am From: Robyn Bailey <rb644...> Subject: RE: [cayugabirds-l] Size of Acreage needed to host ground nesting birds?
Just to add to what others have said, it’s important to keep in mind that there are plenty of common ground-nesting birds that might be in a meadow that are not as elusive as Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks, etc. Consider the Killdeer, Wild Turkey, and Song Sparrow as examples of a few such species that would be affected by the mowing of smaller parcels. So I wouldn’t say you don’t need to be concerned about disturbing ground-nesting birds at all on smaller parcels, even in your backyard.
Take care,
Robyn Bailey
NestWatch Project Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
From: <bounce-128720786-15067888...> <bounce-128720786-15067888...> On Behalf Of <tess...>
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2025 4:10 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Size of Acreage needed to host ground nesting birds?
On 4/12/2025 12:54 PM, madonna stallmann wrote:
Hello Bird Brains! 😁
I recently finished a class about meadow restoration. The instructor made a statement about ground nesting birds that I had not heard before. It goes like this: "If you don't have acreage of 18 or more acres, you don't need to be concerned about disturbing ground nesting birds while conducting restoration activities (ie. mowing)." I was unable to ask for a study reference before the class ended. Is there anyone out there who can verify the instructor's statement? OR Do you know where I might find information that will verify the amount of undisturbed meadow acreage that ground nesting birds require to establish a nesting site?
