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Bicknell's Thrush IBA Complex
Location:Statewide
Bird Conservation Region: BCR 14
Size: Variable
Latitude:
Longitude:
IBA Criteria:
- Vermont High Conservation Priority Species (Criteria 2)
- Rare, Unique and Representative Habitat (Criteria 3)
- Single Species Concentrations, > 1% (Criteria 4a)
- Long-term research and monitoring (Criteria 5)
Land Ownership:Federal, State, Municipal, Private
Habitats:Spruce-fir Forest
Land Use: Wildlife Conservation, forestry, research, recreation
Threats: Development, habitat fragmentation, acid rain
Site Description
Obviously the priority species for this complex is the Bicknell's Thrush, one of the rarest, range-restricted species in North America. Closely related to the Gray-cheeked Thrush and once considered a sub-species, this species has been listed as a High Priority Species by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Vermont's entire population of this species is located within this complex. Other important species include Blackpol Warbler and on some adjacent cliffs, Peregrine Falcon.
Birds
The island is a significant location for colony-nesting birds and supports the largest concentration of breeding gulls and Double-crested Cormorants in the state of Vermont. Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant and Great Black-backed Gull (S1) all nest here. Other species that have nested here in the past include Black-crowned Night Heron (S1), Cattle Egret (S1) and Snowy Egret. The island also supports some of the highest concentrations of nesting ducks in the state.
Conservation
Since the early 1990's the Vermont Institute of Natural Science has been conducting extensive research on this species both in Vermont and in the Dominican Republic. Threats include commercial development such as ski areas and communication towers, forest fragmentation and habitat changes due to acid rain and global warning. Potential threats include mountaintop ski area and wind power development.
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