BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 24, 2024
Grassland birds likely became widespread in Maine when people cleared forests into fields during the 19th century. Bird habitat is shrinking as fields fall out of farm use, become woods again or turn into developments. Fifty years ago, Maine hay was typically cut once or twice; it is now harvested two or three times a season if weather allows. For some farmers, even incentive payments can’t make delayed mowing work, although most want to help the birds. Grassland birds have lost more habitat in the United States since 1970 than any other type. Different management approaches work for different farmers. In an ideal world, said Noah Perlut, a professor and bird researcher at the University of New England, all of the farmer incentive programs would work this way — a kickstart to find bird-friendly practices that work financially.