Can you help us find these two birds?
We're looking for your observations of these two distinctive birds throughout the Conservation Halton Watershed. Both species, Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) have recently been listed as a species at risk.
As part of CH's continued commitment to monitor, protect and restore species at risk, we're looking for your help to tell us if you see the Bobolink, or the Eastern Meadowlark. Our ecology staff are conducting surveys for these species, but the more eyes the better.
The males of both species are easy to identify and are most commonly found in hayfields, meadows and on fenceposts (especially the meadowlark). The Bobolink is mainly black in colour, and the Eastern Meadowlark is primarily yellow.
If you see either of these birds between now and the end of July (breeding bird season runs from May 1 to July 31) send your observations to Conservation Halton. Please include date, observation details and location when reporting. Observations can by sent by e-mail nfinney(at)hrca.on.ca or online on the CH Species at Risk Form.
This survey will give us a greater understanding of the habitat use and distribution of these species in Halton, enabling ecologists to better plan and protect these species.
Back to me:
It's great to see that there is a call for this information. When I filled out the form for Bobolink sightings last year, I just got a "thanks for letting us know" and didn't hear back about any action/plans to help these birds. It's been very frustrating, but a call for help on Facebook gave me some great suggestions from friends.
However, I would like to thank Oakvillegreen and Friends of Glenorchy for their ongoing support and advice. It's nice to feel we're not alone in this. I'd like to thank Nolan from North Shore Bird and Nest Watch for his advice on looking for nests etc. And to my friends who replied with suggestions and ideas on Facebook- thank you very much! I was given some practical advice and some contact suggestions. I appreciate the green-minded people in my life!
The Milton Champion is coming out today to do a story on the Bobolinks in the area. I'm hoping to stress that the widening and expanding of Britannia and James Snow Parkway will directly impact this species by fragmenting and destroying nesting grounds. Lose the land, lose the birds. It's as simple as that.
Female Bobolinks on the fence line along Lower Base Line:
and a Savannah Sparrow. I'm just including the picture because I really like the composition and wanted to share it:
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