The deadline is once again approaching to help protect vulnerable Bobolink populations in Vermont and across our region. These quirky, robotic-sounding blackbirds are not only iconic to the agricultural landscape but can help farmers by devouring insect pests as they feed their growing young. Bobolinks require large grasslands to nest and raise young, and much of their population decline is due to intensive haying during the birds’ breeding season. Contribute by April 15, and your contribution will be sent directly to farmers who alter their mowing schedule to accommodate the critical nesting season. Your donation helps to make implementing bird-friendly management practices economically viable and gives farmers a third option besides choosing between conservation and income.

Since its start in 2013, the Bobolink Project has distributed over $320,000 and increased the average number of fledged birds from 450 in each of the first three years to over 700 in each of the last three years. In 2022, more than 1,000 acres of fields were enrolled for Bobolink conservation project-wide, 80% of which were in Vermont. Read about Audubon Vermont’s role in the project here. To make your contribution to the future of Bobolinks in New England, visit the project website here.

Article by Matt Hallahan, Conservation Americorps Member