THE STATUS of VERMONT FOREST BIRDS: a Quarter Century of Monitoring

2017 THE STATUS OF VERMONT FOREST BIRDS: A Quarter Century of Monitoring

1 Benton, T.G., D.M. Bryant, L. Cole, and H.Q.P. Crick. 2002. Linking agricultural practice to insect and bird populations: a historical study over three decades. Journal of Applied Ecology 39: 673-687.

Bohlen, P.J., S. Scheu, C.M. Hale, M.A. McLean, S. Migge, P.M. Groffman, D. Parkinson. 2004. Non-native invasive earthworms as agents of change in ABOUTnorthern VERMONT temperate forests. Frontiers CENTER FOR ECOSTUDIES ABOUT THE AUTHORS in Ecology and the Environment 2:427–435. STEVE FACCIO: A co-founder of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Steve is The Vermont Center forBurghardt, Ecostudies K.T., D.W.(VCE) Tallamy, advances C. Philips, body of knowledge about biodiversity is a free public a conservation biologist with wide-ranging interests and skills as a scientist, wildlife conservation withand K.J.the Shropshire.combined 2010.Non-native force of sci- resource for anyone who seeks to discover and enjoy naturalist, writer, and photographer. He has conducted research on a variety entific research and informedplants reduce citizens. abundance, Our richness,biologists wildlife—from school children to birdwatchers. of taxa, from Fishers to Piping Plovers, Peregrine Falcons to Spotted Salaman- study birds, insects, amphibians,and host specialization and other in wildlife lepidopteran Far from being cloistered researchers, VCE biolo- ders. His primary focus in recent years is on forest ecology, including forest communities. Ecosphere 1:1-22. songbirds, pool-breeding amphibians, and vernal pool mapping and conser- from Canada to South America. Enhancing our work is gists engage the public. We tweet, blog, write, lecture, vation. He is director of the Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program and a legion of volunteer citizenChandler, naturalists. C.C., D.I. King, and R.B. Chan- live, breathe, and photograph nature. We even host a was lead author of this report. Steve is an avid backcountry skier, and enjoys What VCE discoversdler. about 2012. wildlifeDo mature and forest conserva birds prefer- public radio show called Outdoor Radio. After all, as mountain biking, hiking and making furniture. tion we share with scientists,early-successional policy makers, habitat during conserva the - Executive Director Chris Rimmer likes to point out, tionists, and the generalpost-fledging public. We period. publish Forest research Ecology conservation is as much about people as it is about DAN LAMBERT: Dan is a conservation biologist, educator, and former direc- and Management 264:1-9. tor of Mountain Birdwatch, the Northeast's high-elevation bird monitoring in peer-reviewed scientific literature, and our proj- ecology. It’s one reason our motto is, “Uniting People program. He has led regional conservation science initiatives for the Vermont ect reports help inform public policy. Our growing and Science for Conservation.” Cronan, C.S., R. April, R.J. Bartlett, P.R. Center for Ecostudies, American Bird Conservancy, and High Branch Conser- Bloom, C.T. Driscoll, S.A. Gherini, G.S. vation Services. Dan was a contributing author to this report and now serves Henderson, J.D. Joslin, J.M. Kelly, R.A. as Assistant Executive Director at the Center for Northern Woodlands Educa- Parnell, H.H. Patterson, D.J. Raynal, tion. He enjoys canoeing and playing pond hockey. M. Schaedle, C.L. Schofield, E.I. Sucoff, H.B. Tepper, F.C. Thornton. 1989. Alu- minum toxicity in forests exposed to acidic deposition: The ALBIOS results. JOHN LLOYD, PHD: An accomplished ornithologist, John is the Director of Water Air and Soil Pollution 48: 181-192. Science at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, where he uses his technical doi:10.1007/BF00282377 expertise and experience in program management to advance VCE’s science programs. His ornithological research has spanned a variety of ecosystems Clausen, K.K.Uniting and P. Clausen.People 2013. and Ear Science- for Conservation and species, from Roseate Terns, to grassland birds, to Mangrove Cuckoos. lier Arctic springs cause phenological For this report, John conducted the population trend analyses for all species mismatch in long-distancePO BOX 420, migrants. NORWICH, VT 05055 | 802-649-1431 and guilds. John is a runner, fly-fisherman, and devotee of single-speed bikes. Oecologia 3:1101-1112. WWW.VTECOSTUDIES.ORG DeGraaf, R.M., M. Yamasaki, W.B. Leak, VCE IS A 501 (C)(3) NON-PROFIT. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE and A.M. Lester. 2005. Landowner’s Suggested Citation: Faccio, S.D., J.D. Lambert, and J.D. Lloyd. 2017. The status of Vermont forest birds: A quarter century STEVE FACCIO STEVE

2 3 CONTENTS

Listening to Forest Birds: What Can We Hear?...... 6 Vermont Forests: Our Greatest Natural Asset...... 8 Northern Hardwood Forests Transitional Hardwood Forests Cold-Climate Forests On the Threshold of Change: Threats to Vermont Forests...... 10 Fragmentation and Parcelization Non-Native Invasive Species Climate Change Acid Deposition The Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program...... 12 The Status of Vermont Forest Birds: 1989-2013...... 16 Population Trends...... 18 Species Trends Declining Trends Increasing Trends Guild Trends ...... 22 Sidebar: Polarized Light Pollution ...... 23 WHAT BIRDS CAN TELL US ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT MAY Recommended Land Conservation and Forest Management Practices...... 24 NOT ONLY BE CRITICAL FOR FBMP Partners At Work...... 26 THEIR LONG-TERM SURVIVAL, BUT FOR OURS AS WELL. Literature Cited...... 28 Acknowledgments...... 31 STEVE FACCIO STEVE ©

4 5 LISTENING TO BIRDS: WHAT CAN WE HEAR?

ake an early morning walk in a Vermont forest listening to forest birds since 1989 as part of the Ver- during May or June, and birds seem to be mont Forest Bird Monitoring Program (FBMP). Their MELISSA MCMASTERS STEVEN KERSTING STEVEN KENT MCFARLAND © everywhere—singing, sight-unseen, from high findings from the FBMP’s first 25 years illuminate © © Tin the canopy; flitting deftly through the understory; population trends for 34 species, including many of rustling through leaf litter on the forest floor. With so our most cherished and iconic songbirds. much forestland in our small state and so many birds, Overall, results from annual surveys conducted why should we be concerned with how forest birds are in 31 mature, unmanaged forest tracts show a 14.2% faring? It is well established that birds are sensitive reduction in avian abundance, from an average of 14.8 to environmental change. If we listen well and pay birds per point over the first five years (1989-1993) to careful attention, they can inform us about the health 12.7 over the last five years (2009-2013). Numbers of FINDINGS FROM of our forests. The messages birds convey about our the two most common species, Ovenbird and Red- THE FOREST BIRD environment may be critical for their long-term sur- eyed Vireo, increased moderately over the survey vival and for ours as well. period, while aerial insectivores and some wetland MONITORING PROGRAM’S Vermont forests are part of an expansive wooded forest birds sharply declined. These changes occurred FIRST 25 YEARS ILLUMINATE landscape that extends from western New York and during a period of statewide forest maturation, dwin- POPULATION TRENDS Massachusetts, through northern New England and dling insect populations, and the arrival of West Nile southern Quebec, to the Maritime Provinces of New Virus in Vermont. FOR 34 SPECIES, BRYAN PFEIFFER BRYAN WARBLER LADY WARBLER Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This vast Northern For- Although causal links to these and other factors INCLUDING MANY DENIS FOURNIER © © © est, sometimes referred to as the Laurentian-Acadian remain unconfirmed, results of this study validate OF OUR MOST CHERISHED Forest, provides some of the highest-quality breeding existing efforts to shield Vermont forests and for- habitat for forest songbirds on the North American est birds from the most imminent, serious threats. AND ICONIC SONGBIRDS. continent. And while the majority of our forest Success in this work will hinge on the sort of resolve songbirds are reasonably common, many are also and collective capacity exhibited by FBMP volunteers considered “responsibility species,” meaning that the and partners. Through scientific study and informa- Opposite Page: Northeast supports a significant proportion of their tion exchange, we have already gained considerable Nine of the 13 species that declined global populations. Therefore, we have a high respon- understanding of the value, defining characteristics, significantly during 25 years of sibility to maintain productive breeding habitat. If and vulnerabilities of Vermont forests. Now we must monitoring in Vermont. we don’t maintain and steward that habitat, or if we act to safeguard their ecological integrity. Top Row (L to R): Rose-breasted ignore what bird populations tell us about the health Grosbeak, White-throated Sparrow, of our shared environment, we risk losing not only the Downy Woodpecker Middle Row (L to R): Canada Warbler, birds, but also our forests. Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren This report contains insights generated by a Bottom Row (L to R): Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Veery STEVE FACCIO STEVE

legion of skilled volunteer birders who have been NICOLE BEAULAC KELLY COLGAN AZAR COLGAN KELLY © © ©

6 7 VERMONT FORESTS: OUR GREATEST NATURAL ASSET

oodlands cover three out of every four acres in Vermont, the fourth most forested state in the U.S. Mid-summer views Wfrom our mountains and hills encompass an undu- lating carpet of green, stretching out for miles. The VERMONT view from above is even more impressive, revealing FOREST TYPES embedded natural and human communities. Outside of the Champlain Valley’s agricultural landscape, the Vermont supports a diverse assemblage of predominating forest is etched with rivers and roads forest types, owing to that link cities and villages, small farms, and bodies variations in geology, of water. These connections reflect our reliance on climate, and topography. forests to sustain our livelihoods and wellbeing. Geography also plays NORTHERN HARDWOOD FORESTS TRANSITIONAL HARDWOOD FORESTS COLD-CLIMATE FORESTS Forests contribute tremendous value to Vermont’s an important role, since economy. More than 10,500 people are employed in Vermont is situated in a Consisting primarily of maple, In transitional hardwoods, northern These forests are comprised of American beech, birch, and hem- hardwood species mix with those tree species well adapted to harsh the state’s forest products industry, producing timber, transitional zone between boreal forests to lock, northern hardwoods are found commonly in central hardwood winters, especially red spruce and veneer, wood chips and pellets, pulpwood, firewood, the north and central Vermont’s most common and wide- forests. These forest communities balsam fir. Other conifers such and maple syrup. In addition, most recreation and hardwood forests to the spread forest community. They are occur in Vermont’s warmer regions, as white spruce, black spruce, tourism in Vermont depends on healthy, intact for- south. Of the nearly 100 adapted to intermediate conditions including the Champlain Valley, south- northern white cedar, and tama- ests—from fall foliage viewing and hiking, to hunting, distinct natural communi- between the cold, boreal forests ern Connecticut River Valley, and lower rack may also be present, along snowmobiling, skiing, and birding. Altogether, these ties that have been identi- to our north and the central hard- elevations of the Taconic Mountains. with scattered hardwoods that activities support more than 47,000 jobs and account fied in our small state, 38 woods to our south. Depending on While typically dominated by sugar include paper birch, yellow birch, for roughly 15% of employment in the state (Vermont are forests, including 25 soil conditions and climate, a variety maple, beech, and yellow birch, this and mountain maple. Cold-cli- types of upland forest of other tree species may also be forest type also includes species better mate forest communities include Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation 2015). and 13 forested wetlands In addition to providing raw materials, jobs and present, including white ash, black adapted to warmer, drier conditions lowland spruce-fir forests, which (Thompson and Soren- cherry, basswood, white pine, and such as white pine, red and white are widespread in the Northeast recreational fulfillment, forests deliver ecosystem ser- son 2000). Ecologists red oak. These are the iconic forests oak, and shagbark hickory. Subtle Highlands; montane spruce-fir vices that underpin our quality of life. These include tend to divide our forest of Vermont—providing us with daz- variations in aspect, elevation, and forests, found in the mountains erosion control, flood protection, and mitigation of cli- communities into three broad groups—northern zling visual treats of fall foliage and soil often allow these warmer-climate above 2,500 feet; and subalpine mate change through carbon sequestration. As sourc- spring wildflowers, the sweet taste species to gain a foothold in north- krummholz, low, dense thickets es of clean air and water, forests uphold Vermont’s hardwood forests, transitional hardwood forests, of maple syrup, and a wide array ern hardwood stands. For example, of spruce and fir found only on identity as a healthy state where people connect with and cold-climate forests of wood products, from firewood pockets of transitional hardwoods may the highest peaks of the Green the land and relish being outdoors. Spending time in (McGrory Klyza and to lumber for fine furniture mak- occur on south-facing slopes or on Mountains. Breeding birds in the woods offers a variety of health benefits, such as Trombulak 1999). ing. Northern hardwoods support drier ridgelines where soils are shallow. these conifer-dominated forests improved mood and physical vigor, reduced blood a diverse community of breeding Although these forests support many include boreal specialists such pressure, and increased longevity. birds, including Red-eyed Vireo and of the same birds found in northern as Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Ovenbird, two of Vermont’s most hardwoods, species such as Eastern Magnolia Warbler, and montane common and widespread species, Wood-Pewee, Wood Thrush, and species such as Bicknell’s Thrush 8 KENT MCFARLAND 9 STEVE FACCIO STEVE STEVE FACCIO STEVE © © and Hermit Thrush, our state bird. © Scarlet Tanager tend to predominate. and Blackpoll Warbler. ON THE THRESHOLD OF CHANGE: THREATS TO VERMONT FORESTS

ore than a mere collection of trees, forests abundance can reveal the timing, extent, and degree are interdependent biological communities of environmental threat. Although causes of popu- composed of plants, animals, and micro- lation change are often difficult to discern, monitor- FRAGMENTATION AND PARCELIZATION NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES Morganisms that interact in complex ways. Among ing data can illuminate specific hazards and guide CLIMATE CHANGE ACID DEPOSITION forest-dwelling wildlife, there is no group more research into sources of decline. Bird monitoring Evidence clearly shows that parcelization (the More than half of Vermont’s tree species are threat- A warming planet may gradually but profoundly al- In addition to increasing winter injury in red captivating than songbirds, whose vibrant colors and can also help evaluate specific conservation actions subdivision of forestland into smaller pieces and ened with devastation from three non-native insects: ter forest biodiversity, productivity, and economics. spruce, acidic compounds in rain, snow, and fog dynamic voices animate an otherwise largely green, and provide invaluable feedback to natural resource multiple ownerships) has increased forest fragmen- the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and The U.S. Forest Service has already found evidence leach vital nutrients from soils, limiting their quiet landscape. Birds are the most diverse vertebrate managers. As monitoring data accumulate, their value tation statewide (Fidel 2007). As forests become hemlock wooly adelgid. Currently, only the hem- of northward migration in over 70% of the northern availability for tree growth (Driscoll et al. 2001). group inhabiting Vermont’s forest ecosystems, with for decision-making increases. Nearing its 30-year fragmented by roads, development and other lock wooly adelgid has been confirmed in Vermont, tree species that occur in Vermont (Woodall et al. Of particular concern is calcium depletion and more than 80 breeding species. And while it’s clear milestone, the Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Pro- non-forest land uses, the amount of edge habitat where it has gained a foothold in three southern 2009). In addition, climate change may alter the increased aluminum toxicity, which are known to that forest birds need forests, there is a growing body gram is one of the Northeast’s most established and increases, exposing interior forest breeding birds counties. However, the state is virtually surround- timing of seasonal events (known as phenology) so damage sugar maple (Cronan et al. 1989) and may of evidence to show that forests also need birds for informative long-term avian surveys. to increased pressure from edge-dwelling nest ed by the emerald ash borer, with populations in that activities of organisms that typically interact, reduce the abundance of both amphibians (Wyman the critical roles they play in providing ecosystem predators such as Raccoons, Blue Jays and others, southern New Hampshire, northwest Massachusetts, such as predator and prey or plant and pollinator, and Jancola 1992) and Wood Thrushes (Hames services that range from pollination and pest con- as well as brood parasitism from Brown-headed east-central New York, and southern Quebec. The no longer coincide. One such phenological mis- et al. 2002). Birds may be particularly sensitive to trol, to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling (Whelan Cowbirds. Additionally, many interior forest birds Asian longhorned beetle, whose primary host trees match can occur when bird reproduction no longer soil calcium depletion because they require large et al. 2015). Highlighting this interdependence is a are area sensitive, inhabiting only large, contiguous include maples, birches, willows, and elms, has synchronizes with peak abundance of invertebrate amounts of calcium to produce viable eggshells. now-classic study demonstrating that forest song- forest blocks or exhibiting higher densities and/or colonized Massachusetts within 45 miles of Ver- food resources, which are needed to raise nestlings For example, to produce a single clutch of eggs, birds significantly increase tree growth by consuming AND WHILE IT’S CLEAR THAT FOREST breeding success in these tracts compared to small- mont. These, along with numerous other non-native (Visser and Both 2005, Clausen and Clausen 2013). some small bird species require more calcium leaf-eating insects, suggesting that declines in avian er woodland patches (Wilcove 1985, Robinson et insects and pathogens that are already established Evidence from a New Hampshire hardwood forest than exists in their entire skeleton (Reynolds et al. BIRDS NEED FORESTS, THERE IS A abundance could reduce forest productivity and al. 1995). While area-sensitive species may attempt in Vermont—including chestnut blight, beech bark indicates that migratory species that are able to 2004). Therefore, they must rely on calcium-rich health (Marquis and Whelan 1994). GROWING BODY OF EVIDENCE TO SHOW to nest in smaller forest fragments, they are often disease, Dutch elm disease, and butternut canker— adjust the timing of breeding to spring tempera- foods during the breeding season, especially snails. Monitoring bird populations is therefore key to THAT FORESTS ALSO NEED BIRDS unable to raise young successfully due to increased will result in significant ecological and economic tures may be at a competitive advantage com- However, the abundance of snails is directly related gaining a broader understanding of forest ecology and rates of nest predation and/or brood parasitism damage to our forests (Lovett et al. 2016). pared to those lacking this capacity. For example, to the availability of soil calcium, because snails re- health. This is especially crucial at a time when our (Whitcomb et al. 1981). Further, numerous species of invasive earth- Black-throated Blue Warblers may raise two broods quire high levels of calcium to produce their shells woodlands are on the threshold of dramatic change worms are changing forest ecosystems by over- and produce more young in years when spring and to reproduce (Hotopp 2002). due to myriad threats that range from fragmentation consuming leaf litter; this results in a loss of soil arrives early (Townsend et al. 2013). On the other and parcelization, to an ever-growing array of invasive invertebrates, reduction in the abundance of herba- hand, their populations slump in response to El species and a warming climate. ceous and understory vegetation, and alteration of Niño, a global climate cycle that could be intensify- While the threats facing our forests are very soil structure (Bohlen et al. 2004). These ecological ing (Townsend et al. 2015). Although effects of cli- real, changes are likely to occur slowly and to es- changes have been linked to reduced abundance mate change on forest ecosystems are complex and cape detection in the absence of careful, consistent of some ground-nesting birds, including Ovenbird unpredictable, it is clear that established patterns monitoring. Fortunately, birds are readily observable and Hermit Thrush (Loss et al. 2012). and longstanding ecological relationships will be indicators of environmental health. Changes in their disrupted, perhaps irreversibly.

10 11 THE VERMONT FOREST BIRD MONITORING PROGRAM

ince 1989, volunteer birders have crawled out FIGURE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF FBMP STUDY SITES BY BIOPHYSICAL REGION of bed in the pre-dawn hours to put their bird identification skills to work for the Vermont SForest Bird Monitoring Program. This core project of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) started with 11 study sites, but grew steadily and by 2012 consisted of 31 sites, all located in unmanaged, mature interior forests (Figure 1). Each June, FBMP’s dedicated birders fan out across Vermont and systematically survey their “adopted” routes at the crack of dawn, contributing to a database that has amassed more than 62,000 observations of 135 species. The primary goal of the FBMP is to monitor the STUDY SITES status and population trends of interior forest breed- FBMP’s 31 study sites are ing birds. While numerous studies have documented located in a variety of forest declines of songbirds inhabiting fragmented land- types, mainly on publicly accessible land (specific site scapes, few monitor birds in protected, undisturbed information listed in table on forests free from the confounding influences of active page 15). While the majority forest management and edge effects brought about by are in northern hardwood roads, houses and other development. forests (65%), a smaller number of sites are located in transitional hardwoods (19%) TRANSITIONAL HARDWOODS and forested wetlands (16%), generally reflecting the relative THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THE extent of these forest commu- CONIFEROUS WETLANDS nities in Vermont (Figure 2). FBMP IS TO MONITOR THE At each study site, observers STATUS AND POPULATION conduct point counts at a se- ries of five permanent survey DECIDUOUS WETLANDS TRENDS OF INTERIOR FOREST NORTHERN HARDWOOD stations located approximately BREEDING BIRDS. FORESTS 250 meters apart, recording all birds seen or heard during a ten-minute sampling period at each station. Because the vast majority (96%) of observations are auditory, FBMP partici- pants must be highly skilled in

FIGURE 2: PROPORTION OF FBMP STUDY SITES BY FOREST TYPE FACCIO STEVE

identifying birds by ear. ©

12 13 Table 1. Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program study sites, ownership, forest type and years surveyed. Listed in descending order of years surveyed.

Study Site Name Town Ownership Natural Community Type Year First Surveyed No. Years Surveyed •

Concord Woods Natural Area Concord University of Vermont Northern Hardwood Forest 1989 25 Pease Mt. Natural Area Charlotte University of Vermont Mesic Maple-Ash-Hickory-Oak Forest 1989 25 Sugar Hollow Preserve Pittsford The Nature Conservancy Rich Northern Hardwood Forest 1989 25 Bear Swamp Wolcott Sterling College Fir-Tamarack Swamp 1990 24 Buckner/Bald Mt. Preserve West Haven The Nature Conservancy Dry Oak-Hickory-Hophornbeam Forest 1989 24 Dorset Bat Cave Dorset The Nature Conservancy Northern Hardwood Forest 1989 24 Moose Bog Wildlife Man. Area Ferdinand VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Lowland Spruce-fir 1989 24 Roy Mt. Wildlife Man. Area Barnet VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Northern White Cedar Swamp 1989 24 Sandbar Wildlife Man. Area Milton VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Lakeside Floodplain Forest 1989 24 The Cape Research Natural Area Chittenden/Goshen Green Mt. Nat. Forest Rich Northern Hardwood Forest 1989 24 May Pond Preserve Barton The Nature Conservancy Northern Hardwood Forest 1990 23 Shaw Mt. Natural Area Benson The Nature Conservancy Mesic Maple-Ash-Hickory-Oak Forest 1989 21 Cornwall Swamp Cornwall VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Red Maple-Cedar Swamp 1989 20 Underhill State Park Underhill VT Forests, Parks & Rec. Northern Hardwood Forest 1991 20 Green Mt. Audubon Huntington Audubon Vermont Northern Hardwood Forest 1997 17 Bancroft Woods Lincoln/Bristol Private-conserved Rich Northern Hardwood Forest 1998 16 Steam Mill Brook Wildlife Man. Area Stannard VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Northern Hardwood Forest 1998 16 Bristol Cliffs Wilderness Area Bristol Green Mt. Nat. Forest Northern Hardwood Forest 1998 14 Chandler Ridge Leicester Green Mt. Nat. Forest Mesic Red Oak-Maple Forest 2000 14 VERMONT FOREST BIRD Lye Brook Wilderness Area Winhall Green Mt. Nat. Forest Northern Hardwood Forest 2000 13 MONITORING PROGRAM Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP Woodstock National Park Service Northern Hardwood Forest 2001 13 THIS CORE PROJECT OF THE Little Ascutney Wildlife Man. Area Weathersfield VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Mesic Red Oak-Northern Hardwoods 1998 11 VERMONT CENTER FOR Merck Forest Rupert Merck Forest Center Mesic Red Oak-Maple Forest 1992 11 ECOSTUDIES STARTED WITH Green River Reservoir Hyde Park VT Forests, Parks & Rec. Northern Hardwood Forest 2004 9 Breadloaf Wilderness Area Granville Green Mt. Nat. Forest Northern Hardwood Forest 2006 7 11 STUDY SITES, BUT GREW Ethan Allen Firing Range Jericho U.S. Military Northern Hardwood Forest 1998 7 STEADILY AND BY 2012 Black Mt. Preserve Dummerston The Nature Conservancy Northern Hardwood Forest 2004 5 CONSISTED OF 31 SITES. North Branch River Park Montpelier Town of Montpelier Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Forest 2008 5 . Baker Bush Strafford Private-conserved Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Forest 2010 4 Scarlet Tanagers are Adams Camp Stowe Trapp Family Lodge Northern Hardwood Forest 2012 2 most common in Craftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury Craftsbury Outdoor Center Northern Hardwood Forest 2012 2 transitional hardwood

forest sites. OHFALCON72 * The number of years surveyed through 2013. ©

14 15 TABLE 2. Relative abundance of the ten most common species by habitat. Listed in order of abundance for all study sites THE STATUS OF combined. Abundance indices in bold indicate species included in top ten for that habitat. VERMONT BIRDS: 1989-2013 SPECIES RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (AVG. # OF BIRDS/POINT) BY HABITAT ALL STUDY NORTHERN TRANSITION CONIFEROUS DECIDUOUS SITES HARDWOODS HARDWOODS WETLANDS WETLANDS

Ovenbird 1.57 2.12 1.71 0.15 0.37 or this report, we analyzed 2,464 point count Red-eyed Vireo 1.35 1.71 1.65 0.11 0.81 surveys, in which a total of 32,381 birds of 125 Black-throated Blue Warbler 0.59 0.88 0.21 0.18 0.00 species were detected, for an average of 13 birds One of the most Hermit Thrush 0.57 0.61 0.50 0.74 0.12 Fper point. During the 25 years of this study, the number common and widespread species Black-throated Green Warbler 0.56 1.03 0.17 0.25 0.00 of birds detected declined from an average of 14.8 in- A TOTAL OF 32,381 BIRDS OF 125 SPECIES in Vermont, Red- dividuals per point over the first five years to 12.7 over eyed Vireos nest in Eastern Wood-Pewee 0.48 0.29 1.19 0.00 0.71 WERE DETECTED AND the understory of the last five years. This 14.2% decrease mainly occurred Veery 0.35 0.17 ANAYLYZED FOR THIS REPORT a wide variety of 0.44 0.32 1.87

during the first half of the survey period (Figure 3). In FACCIO STEVE forest types. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 0.18 0.19 0.17

© 0.37 0.54 addition, we found turnover in the composition of the ten most commonly detected species. While Ovenbird Winter Wren 0.36 0.35 0.17 0.77 0.05 and Red-eyed Vireo remained as the two most abun- FIGURE 3: CHANGE IN RELATIVE ABUNDANCE FOR ALL SPECIES AT ALL STUDY SITES Scarlet Tanager 0.34 0.32 0.69 0.03 0.14 dant and widely distributed species, Blue Jay, Scarlet Blue Jay 0.33 0.25 0.31 0.43 0.62 Tanager, and Black-capped Chickadee dropped off the Wood Thrush 0.33 0.34 0.73 0.00 0.02 top-ten list during last five years (2009-2013) and were replaced by Black-throated Green Warbler, American Black-capped Chickadee 0.32 0.18 0.40 0.46 0.58 Robin, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. ALL SITES Rose-breasted Grosbeak 0.30 0.34 0.49 0.01 0.15 Composition of the top-ten species varied by habitat, American Redstart 0.27 0.27 0.48 0.01 0.45 especially among coniferous and deciduous wetland American Crow 0.26 0.18 0.19 0.30 0.86 forests, which shared no species in common (Table 2). As expected, coniferous wetland sites supported a more White-throated Sparrow 0.22 0.05 0.00 0.98 0.31 boreal avian mix, including Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat 0.20 0.02 0.05 0.21 1.43 Nashville and Magnolia warblers, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.42 1.39 and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Deciduous-dominated Yellow-rumped Warbler 0.19 0.11 0.09 0.67 0.00 wetland sites included species such as Veery, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Waterthrush, and Great Crested Great Crested Flycatcher 0.19 0.04 0.35 0.02 0.86 Flycatcher. Among the ten most abundant species on Song Sparrow 0.14 0.00 0.04 0.02 1.32 northern and transitional hardwood study sites, five were Red-breasted Nuthatch 0.13 0.03 0.04 0.66 0.00 found in both habitats (Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Her- Golden-crowned Kinglet 0.10 0.01 0.00 0.64 0.00 mit Thrush, Wood Thrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak). Northern hardwood sites also included Black-throat- Magnolia Warbler 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.60 0.00 ed Blue and Black-throated Green warblers, Winter Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.53 0.00 Wren, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Veery, which were Nashville Warbler 0.09 0.00 0.01 0.52 0.04 replaced on transitional hardwood sites by Eastern Yellow Warbler 0.09 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.95 Wood-Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, Great Northern Parula 0.08 0.01 0.00 0.46 0.00

Crested Flycatcher, and Black-capped Chickadee. FACCIO STEVE ©

16 17 TABLE 3. Results of population trend analysis for 34 species, Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program, THE STATUS OF VERMONT BIRDS: 1989-2013 Ovenbirds have 1989-2013, and comparison with Vermont Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) trends, 1989-2013. responded favorably Blue = significantly increasing trend;Red = significantly decreasing trend; Black = no significant trend. to Vermont’s Species listed in taxonomic order. Species included in analysis if they occurred at ≥10 study sites with ≥100 individuals. maturing forests, as populations of this Annual 25-year VT BBS (1989-2013) ground-nesting Change Change Statistical Annual Agreement warbler have SPECIES (%) (%) P-value Significance Change (%) w/ FBMP increased by 56% POPULATION since 1989. Mourning Dove 3.67 137.61 0.000 *** 1.38 Strong TRENDS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3.82 146.14 0.000 *** 2.90 Strong Downy Woodpecker -3.35 -55.91 0.000 *** -0.01 Moderate Hairy Woodpecker 2.50 80.64 0.005 ** -1.24 None Pileated Woodpecker 2.13 65.81 0.029 * 2.44 Moderate tilizing the 25-year FBMP Udata set, we produced trend Eastern Wood-Pewee -1.76 -34.63 0.000 *** -2.31 Strong estimates for 34 of the most Least Flycatcher 0.91 24.42 0.329 -3.08 None abundant and widely distributed Great Crested Flycatcher -4.50 -66.92 0.000 *** 0.37 None species (a minimum of 100 indi- Blue-headed Vireo -0.79 -17.26 0.296 -0.55 Strong UNDERSTANDING viduals occurring on at least 10 Red-eyed Vireo 0.60 15.42 0.050 * 1.75 Strong study sites) (Table 3). In addition, WHICH GUILDS ARE Blue Jay -1.97 -38.00 0.000 *** -0.64 Moderate we estimated population trends INCREASING OR Black-capped Chickadee -0.59 -13.27 0.270 0.38 Moderate for 12 groups, or guilds, of birds Red-breasted Nuthatch -2.90 -50.63 0.000 *** -0.52 Moderate DECREASING CAN that share similar ecological traits, White-breasted Nuthatch -0.24 -5.62 0.742 0.29 Moderate such as foraging style, foraging HELP REVEAL Brown Creeper -0.91 -19.74 0.244 2.31 Weak and nesting location, and migra- BROADER ECOLOGICAL Winter Wren -1.82 -35.62 0.000 *** 1.82 None tory strategy (Table 4). In prepar- PATTERNS THAT MAY Veery -2.14 -40.45 0.000 *** -1.46 Strong ing data for guild analysis, all 125 Hermit Thrush -0.15 -3.51 0.723 1.06 Weak species detected on FBMP sur- BE AFFECTING BIRD Wood Thrush -0.07 -1.75 0.889 -4.55 Moderate UTILIZING THE 25-YEAR veys were included and assigned POPULATIONS. American Robin 1.33 37.27 0.015 * -0.50 None to guilds based on O’Connell et al. Cedar Waxwing 0.02 0.42 0.987 1.43 Strong FBMP DATA SET, WE (1998) (see http://vtecostudies. Black-throated Blue Warbler 0.31 7.60 0.462 -0.21 Moderate PRODUCED TREND ESTIMATES org/sofb-guilds for list of species in each guild). Understanding Yellow-rumped Warbler -4.49 -66.83 0.000 *** -1.42 Moderate FOR 34 OF THE MOST which guilds are increasing or de- Black-throated Green Warbler 1.90 57.13 0.000 *** 0.92 Moderate ABUNDANT AND WIDELY creasing can help reveal broader Blackburnian Warbler -1.73 -34.25 0.014 * 2.46 None DISTRIBUTED SPECIES ecological patterns that may be Black-and-White Warbler -0.91 -19.71 0.279 0.12 Moderate affecting bird populations. For American Redstart 0.14 3.41 0.811 -1.91 None example, an increase in wood- Ovenbird 1.86 55.67 0.000 *** 0.88 Strong peckers and other “bark probers” Common Yellowthroat -6.30 -79.02 0.000 *** -0.46 Moderate might suggest that our maturing Canada Warbler -5.10 -71.55 0.000 *** -5.42 Strong forests provide an abundance of Scarlet Tanager -0.68 -15.02 0.200 -1.18 Moderate decaying trees on which to forage, White-throated Sparrow -3.99 -62.37 0.000 *** -3.91 Strong or that invasive forest pests and Dark-eyed Junco -0.82 -17.88 0.260 -0.26 Strong pathogens are causing abnormally Rose-breasted Grosbeak -1.83 -35.85 0.001 *** -1.50 Moderate

high tree mortality. PFEIFFER BRYAN © Significance: * = P≤ 0.05, ** = P ≤ 0.01, *** = P ≤ 0.001 NOTE: 73% of FBMP and BBS trends agree, either strongly (32%) or moderately (41%), while 27% show either weak (6%) or no (21%) agreement. 18 19 “ Veery

THE STATUS OF VERMONT BIRDS: 1989-2013

Species Trends Declining Trends Increasing Trends AMONG THE 34 SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE Among the 34 species included in the Seven species that declined (Veery, Among the eight species that showed ANALYSIS, 13 DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY, analysis, 13 (38%) declined significantly, Canada Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, FIGURE 5. THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV) ON THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE significant population increases are eight (24%) increased significantly, and 8 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, White-throated Sparrow, Winter Wren, OF SIX SPECIES DETECTED ON THE VERMONT FBMP, 1989-2013. SPECIES IN LEFT ROW SHOWED Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-throat- 13 showed no significant trend (Figure 4: AND 13 SHOWED NO SIGNIFICANT TREND. Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Blackbur- PERSISTENT EFFECTS FROM WNV, WHILE THOSE IN RIGHT ROW SHOWED RECOVERY AFTER INITIAL ed Green Warbler, and Yellow-bellied DECLINE. DOTTED LINE INDICATES YEAR WHEN WNV WAS FIRST DETECTED IN VERMONT.

Table 3). To help interpret these results, nian Warbler) reach their greatest abun- A. DRAUGLIS Sapsucker. These are some of the most we compared FBMP trends with those dance on our forested wetland sites. © abundant, easily detected, and wide- from the North American Breeding Bird The first four of these species showed spread species on FBMP surveys, bol- Survey (BBS) in Vermont over the same FIGURE 4. LIST OF 34 SPECIES ANALYZED AND THEIR very low counts between 1999 and stering our confidence that their trends PROPORTION IN EACH OF THREE TREND CATEGORIES. time period. The BBS is an international 2002. This period corresponds to the are “real.” In addition, each prefers program with thousands of road-based Downy Woodpecker spread of West Nile virus across North slightly different habitats (mature survey routes in the U.S., Canada, and Eastern Wood-Pewee America, which has been shown to have interior hardwoods, mixed forests, Great Crested Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Mexico, including 23 routes in Vermont. Blue Jay Blue-headed Vireo persistent impacts on bird populations, and second-growth/forest edges), and Overall, 73% of FBMP and BBS trends Red-breasted Nuthatch Black-capped Chickadee with some species being more suscepti- occupies a distinct ecological niche (a Winter Wren White-breasted Nuthatch agreed, either strongly (32%), or moder- Veery Brown Creeper ble than others (George et al. 2015) (Fig- ground-forager, two canopy-foragers, ately (41%), while 27% showed either weak Yellow-rumped Warbler Hermit Thrush ure 5). If any habitat were to be at high- and a bark-prober), suggesting that Blackburnian Warbler Wood Thrush (6%) or no (21%) agreement (see Table 3). Common Yellowthroat Cedar Waxwing risk for this mosquito-borne disease, Vermont forests are meeting a diversity Trends showing the strongest agree- Canada Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler for which birds are the primary host, it of habitat and ecological requirements. White-throated Sparrow Black-and-white Warbler ment between both surveys included Rose-breasted Grosbeak American Redstart would likely be wetlands. Additionally, Moreover, all four are listed as Species four species that increased significantly Dark-eyed Junco five of these seven species nest and of Regional Conservation Concern by (Mourning Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsuck- Scarlet Tanager feed on or near the ground, suggesting Partners in Flight, primarily because er, Red-eyed Vireo, and Ovenbird), and DECREASING that changes in understory structure or the Northeast encompasses a large four species that declined significantly composition might have contributed to proportion of their breeding ranges (Eastern Wood-Pewee, Veery, Canada NO TREND their declines. For example, if the densi- (Rosenberg et al. 2016). Warbler, and White-throated Sparrow). ty or species composition of understory Three of the consistently increasing vegetation changed over 25 years, such species (all but Mourning Dove) favor changes could have affected the birds intermediate to old forests, while three breeding there. Invasive, exotic shrubs, of the consistently declining species (all such as Glossy Buckthorn and Japa- but Eastern Wood-Pewee) reach peak nese Honeysuckle, have become more Most abundant on abundance in forested wetlands but also INCREASING common at some of our study sites. forested wetland study sites, the occupy young forest patches and under- Mourning Dove This is cause for concern, as exotic Common Yellowthroat growth (DeGraaf et al. 2005). Statewide Yellow-bellied Sapsucker plants reduce invertebrate abundance declined by 79% maturation of Vermont forests (Morin Hairy Woodpecker and diversity (Burghardt et al. 2010) since 1989, the largest Pileated Woodpecker decline among 34 et al. 2011) may have contributed to this Red-eyed Vireo and may increase risk of nest predation species analyzed. American Robin shift toward mature forest birds; however, Black-throated Green Warbler (Rodewald et al. 2010). ANDY MORFFEW ANDY

20 21 THE STATUS OF VERMONT BIRDS: 1989-2013

Both Eastern Aerial Insectivores Guild Trends Wood-Pewee and Overall, seven (58%) of the 12 guilds declined, while Great Crested Among the seven ecological guilds with (Stark and Banks 2003, Potts et al. 2010), Flycatcher (right) declining trends, there is none more polarized light pollution (Horvath et al. only two (17%) increased (Table 4). Declining guilds declined significantly, occurred within all four guild categories (Breeding, corroborating a alarming than the steep drop of aerial 2009), calcium depletion due to acid Insectivore Foraging, Migratory Strategy, and Nest widespread and insectivores, a diverse group of birds that precipitation (Graveland 1998, Jeziorski et alarming trend among specialize in capturing flying insects on al. 2008), and climate change (Deutsch et Location), while increasing trends were confined to aerial insectivores. the Insectivore Foraging guild category. Both long- the wing (Table 4; Figure 6). In our region, al. 2008). Science-based changes to envi- 19 species are included within this guild— ronmental policy, such and short-distance migrant guilds showed slight POLARIZED LIGHT POLLUTION declines, while year-round residents showed no trend. primarily flycatchers, swallows, and night- as the 1990 Clean Air Twenty-four percent of species included in both the jars (Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Act amendments and Polarized light pollution refers to light that has un- Neotropical migrant and short-distance migrant Nighthawk)—but since swallows do not state Renewable Port- dergone linear polarization by reflecting off certain guilds declined significantly. These included eight TWENTY-FOUR occupy forested habitats and nightjars are folio Standards, are artificial surfaces, including smooth, dark-colored long-distance migrants, such as Blackburnian War- PERCENT OF nocturnal, only 11 aerial insectivores were tempering wildlife paintwork (e.g. buildings, vehicles, etc.), glass bler, Canada Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, detected on FBMP surveys. As a group, threats that originate windows, asphalt roads and parking lots, and black SPECIES INCLUDED and four short-distance migrants, such as Winter these 11 species showed a significant from burning fossil plastic sheeting (used in commercial agriculture). Wren and White-throated Sparrow. IN BOTH THE annual decline of 2.5% on our study sites fuels. Similarly am- Artificial polarizers can act as ecological traps, (see Figure 6), which equates to a 45% drop bitious initiatives are threatening populations of polarization-sensitive Although birds that nest in the canopy and those HARMONYONPLANETEARTH

NEOTROPICAL © that nest on the ground both showed moderate in their relative abundance over 25 years. needed to curb pesti- species, especially aquatic-breeding insects. MIGRANT AND declines, insectivores that forage within the high can- TABLE 4. Results of population trend analysis for 12 ecological guilds in four categories, This result corroborates a disquieting and cide use and evaluate Although water is the primary natural source of SHORT- DISTANCE Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program, 1989-2013. Blue = significantly increasing trend; widespread trend that ornithologists have other causes of insect polarized light, human development has vastly

opy and those that feed on the ground both showed DENIS CHURCH

Red = significantly decreasing trend; Black = no significant trend © moderate increases. The apparent disparity between MIGRANT GUILDS noted for this group over the last two de- decline. increased the extent of polarizing surfaces globally ground foragers and ground nesters was likely due No. of Annual 25-year cades, especially in the Northeast (Nebel and introduced the phenomenon to places where it DECLINED FIGURE 6. AS A GROUP, AERIAL INSECTIVORES (CONSISTING OF THE 11 SPECIES LISTED to the small number of species that were included in species change change Statistical et al. 2010). Although only three of the 11 does not occur naturally. Many animals, including GUILD CATEGORY GUILD in Guild* (%) (%) P-value Significance species were abundant enough to be in- IN THE UPPER RIGHT) HAVE DECLINED BY 45% ON FBMP SURVEYS, CORROBORATING birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects, have the ground gleaning guild (n=5), including Ovenbird, SIGNIFICANTLY. AN ALARMING TREND IN NORTH AMERICA. which increased by 55% over the study period and cluded in our species trend analysis, both vision that is well-tuned to polarized light. Hun- Breeding Single-brooded 58 -0.36 -8.25 0.001 *** Alder Flycatcher may have been driving the trend for this guild. The Eastern Wood-Pewee and Great Crested dreds, if not thousands, of species of flying insects, Insectivore Foraging Aerial Insectivores 11 -2.46 -44.93 0.000 *** Chimney Swift disparity among canopy foragers and nesters may Flycatcher declined significantly (Table 2). Eastern Kingbird including dragonflies, mayflies, caddisflies, diving Bark-probers 11 -0.12 -2.73 0.699 Given that aerial insectivores show tre- Eastern Pheobe beetles, water bugs, and other aquatic insects, use be due to the fact that canopy-foraging species were Eatsern Wood-Pewee split into two guilds based on the height at which Ground Gleaners 5 0.83 21.92 0.000 *** mendous diversity in life history and ecol- Great Crested Flycatcher polarized light in order to locate suitable water High Canopy Foragers 14 0.44 11.06 0.018 * ogy, but share the attribute of dependence Least Flycatcher bodies in which to deposit their eggs. However, they feed in the canopy (high and low canopy), while Olive-sided Flycatcher species were lumped into a single canopy group for Low Canopy Foragers 20 -1.58 -31.83 0.000 *** on flying insects as a food source, it seems Tree Swallow because many artificial polarizing surfaces reflect a likely that this steep and troubling decline Willow Flycatcher stronger polarizing “signal” than water, insects are the nesting guild. It is also interesting to note that the Migratory Strategy Neotropical Migrants 33 -0.35 -7.98 0.002 ** Yellow-bellied Flycatcher reflects broad-scale changes in insect popu- often preferentially attracted to them and conse- low-canopy foraging guild, consisting of 20 species, Residents 10 -0.23 -5.38 0.362 lations or phenology, rather than effects of quently experience complete reproductive failure declined while the low-canopy nesters, including 19 Short-distance Migrants 17 -0.40 -9.23 0.023 * species, showed no trend. Surprisingly, only seven habitat loss or direct mortality from disease by laying eggs on windows or other surfaces. Nest Location Canopy Nesters 28 -0.72 -15.89 0.000 *** species within these two guilds overlap, primarily or other factors. Declines of insect popu- Countless others are killed by vehicles when they Ground Nesters 14 -0.45 -10.19 0.003 ** because many of the shrub-nesters are omnivores, lations have been attributed to a variety of are attracted to busy roadways, which to them ap- feeding on seeds and berries in addition to insects. Shrub Nesters 19 -0.12 -2.73 0.489 causes, including changes in agricultural pear very much like rivers. (For more information, practices (Benton et al. 2002), pesticide use see review in Horvath et al. 2009). * Number of species included in guild analyses out of a total of 125 species detected on FBMP surveys. 22 Significance: * = P≤ 0.05, ** = P ≤ 0.01, *** = P ≤ 0.001 23 See http://vtecostudies.org/sofb-guilds for list of species in each guild. RECOMMENDED LAND CONSERVATION AND FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

number of policy instruments exist to maintain a high level of forest cover in Vermont, including the Land Use Value Appraisal USE OF VARIED APPROACHES WILL AProgram, the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, HELP SUSTAIN BOTH LANDSCAPE- AND and regional and municipal plans. In 2016, the state formed a study committee to explore new alternatives STAND-LEVEL HETEROGENEITY THAT for enhancing forest integrity through amendments SUPPORTS THE FULL SUITE OF

to regulations such as the Land Use and Development FACCIO STEVE

VERMONT’S NATIVE BIRDS, INCLUDING © Act. Land Conservation Forest Management Although land-use planning and policy are essen- THOSE PRIMARILY ASSOCIATED WITH Identify and conserve forest types ing native biodiversity, these forests can In mature stands, emulate natural tial tools for statewide forest conservation, our recom- FOREST INTERIORS. release, or crop-tree release with canopy that are uncommon, are under-rep- serve as scientific “control” areas. disturbance scale and frequency with mendations focus on conservation and management gap formation (Hagenbuch et al. 2011). resented in the existing network of Build connections among existing single-tree selection, variably sized practices that can be implemented at the property Protect soils, regeneration, and down protected areas, and/or encompass a conservation areas. group selection (0.1-1 acre, infrequently wood by harvesting on dry or frozen level. Of course, no single approach can sustain Ver- CAMPBELL RODNEY © range of elevations and landforms. Develop easements and/or steward- up to 2 acres), and/or expanding gap mont’s forest bird communities, which are as diverse these birds are well adapted to patchy and layered ground and restricting heavy machines Focus resources on forest blocks ship plans that take nearby land uses group shelterwoods (North and Keeton as the state’s forests themselves. Rather, the most woods. Areas of high sapling density provide valuable to temporary routes and landings. When >250 acres (Robbins et al. 1989, Rosen- into account and enable adaptation to 2008, Hagenbuch et al. 2011). effective strategies will incorporate local knowledge cover and food resources to mature forest species, operating in a stand, minimize travel berg et al. 2003) with > 80% forest cov- changing landscape and climatic condi- When using single-tree selection or of habitat values and stressors, forest dynamics, and especially during the post-breeding period when risk and maximize trail-spacing and machine er within 1-2 km (Suarez-Rubio et al. tions. release methods to promote old-growth socio-economic context. of mortality is particularly high (Chandler et al. 2012, reach. 2013) and > 65% forest cover within 5 Use communication and education characteristics, target a residual basal For example, harvest-based strategies may be well Stoleson 2013). We suggest that landowners, conser- Where invasive species are a prob- km (Driscoll et al. 2005). Acre for acre, resources to promote a broader under- area of 90-115 sq.ft/acre (Thompson and suited to wooded uplands in areas where the forestry vation planners, and foresters seek opportunities to lem, apply best practices in invasive these are more likely to produce great- standing of the ecological connections Capen 1988, Keeton 2006). sector is important to the local economy and acts as a sustain and/or emulate natural disturbance patterns plant and earthworm control to promote er numbers of forest-interior birds that link Vermont forests with the Neo- Retain a high proportion of large-di- buffer against subdivision and development. Else- in their work. regeneration of native flora and leaf-lit- than smaller tracts in more developed tropics. ameter trees and snags (>20-inch dbh) to where, land protection may be the preferred approach, Despite the need for locally-driven and customized ter fauna. When possible, treat invasive landscapes. Make strategic investments in the support canopy and cavity nesters and to particularly in and around forested wetlands or in practices, the following general recommendations plants before harvest and clean tires of Favor forest units with large core protection of Latin American and promote the development of late-succes- communities where forests are prized mainly for apply to most forested properties under consideration forestry equipment between jobs. areas and low edge-to-area ratios in Caribbean wintering grounds through sional forest structure. Accelerate growth aesthetic and recreational values. Combined methods for conservation or uneven-aged forest management. Limit the number, width, and length of order to reduce the risk of predation international partnerships. of the largest and healthiest trees with are often most effective at meeting a range of conser- They are not intended for commercial timberlands, haul roads and skid trails. and brood parasitism originating from Maintain FBMP sites as vital bench- two- to four-sided crown release (Keeton vation objectives. which are managed primarily with even-age silvicul- Avoid harvesting during periods of surrounding agriculture or develop- marks whose scientific and ecological 2006). Use of varied approaches will help sustain both tural systems. nesting and fledgling activity (May ment. value will increase with accumulated If snags are uncommon, retain or gir- landscape- and stand-level heterogeneity that sup- through mid- August). When feasible, consider forest information and with the recovery of dle medium to large, low-vigor trees. ports the full suite of Vermont’s native birds, includ- At Right: conservation strategies that allow nat- natural processes and old-forest charac- In pole-sized stands, speed up the ing those primarily associated with forest interiors. Populations of Black-throated ural processes to occur with minimal Blue Warbler and American Redstart teristics development of a high, vigorous canopy

Because old forests contain tree-fall canopy gaps, KEVIN VANCE

24 25 Populations of Vermont’s state bird, FBMP PARTNERS AT WORK the Hermit Thrush, remained relatively stable over the 25 years of this study.

very day, volunteers and professionals from throughout the state are work- information about invasive insects, dance and diversity. The program aims forestry practices on a wide range of ing to secure a bright future for Vermont’s forest birds. Some participate in plants, and pathogens and are serving to help woodlot owners achieve their forest values. Initial findings show that citizen groups organized to conserve large tracts of forest for native biodi- it online at www.vtinvasives.org. timber management goals by operating modified uneven-aged silviculture can Eversity and for sustainable human use. Many are long-standing FBMP partners Visitors to the site can access monitor- with patterns that mimic the scale and promote old-growth characteristics, who develop resources and learning opportunities for landowners and others ing tools and learn about a variety of effects of natural disturbance events. particularly when specific goals for tree involved in forest stewardship. The following profiles and web links provide a sam- control strategies. Workshops and out- Some of the recommended treatments diameter distribution are set. Although pling of their accomplishments and offerings. reach events are posted on a regularly are eligible for cost-share funding results from the bird study are pending, updated calendar. under the Natural Resources Conser- research performed in New York and vation Service Environmental Quality Vermont has shown that moderate par- VOLUNTEERS AND VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE adaptation strategies for northern hard- VERMONT CENTER FOR ECOSTUDIES: Incentives Program. tial harvests can increase the number of PROFESSIONALS DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY wood, spruce-fir, and oak-pine forest VERMONT ATLAS OF LIFE * species and the overall number of birds WILDLIFE PROGRAM * types, with detailed considerations for The mission of the Vermont Atlas NORTHWOODS STEWARDSHIP in the forest, with little effect on ma- FROM THROUGH- The Community Wildlife Program timber management. of Life is to bring over 150 years of CENTER: SPITZER DEMONSTRATION ture forest species (Hartley et al. 2004, OUT THE STATE ARE provides municipal planners and accumulated knowledge of the biodi- FOREST * Rankin and Perlut 2015). WORKING TO SECURE non-governmental organizations with a VERMONT BIOFINDER: VERMONT versity of Vermont into currency for This 1,475-acre forest, located in East variety of resources for identifying and AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES * science and society. The atlas features Charleston, is an Audubon Vermont WINDMILL HILL PINNACLE A BRIGHT FUTURE conserving important wildlife habitat. This cooperatively developed online applications for sharing and accessing Forestry for the Birds demonstration ASSOCIATION FOR VERMONT’S The program staff is available to share mapping platform enables users to information about Vermont forest birds, site and is recognized by the Forest This visionary group of conserva- FOREST BIRDS scientific information and to review identify ecologically significant forests such as Vermont eBird, iNaturalist Guild as a model of sustainable forest tion-minded neighbors has been coordi- town plans and local land-use regula- and other high-priority habitats in their Vermont, and the Vermont Breeding management. Those unable to attend nating land protection and stewardship tions. Download a free copy of their communities. Users can draw from up Bird Atlas. This biodiversity data hub a NorthWoods program at the Spitzer activities in Rockingham, Athens, Graf- comprehensive manual for communi- to 21 overlapping data sets to create also maps observations of mammals, Demonstration Forest, can go online to ton, Brookline, and Westminster since ty-based wildlife conservation, Conserv- customized maps and reports to inform amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and view photos and detailed descriptions 1991. Their balanced and collaborative ing Vermont’s Natural Heritage. their stewardship and conservation plants. of habitat enhancements involving a approach recognizes the essential role projects. Video tutorials and an intui- variety silvicultural practices. forests play in sustaining native biodi- VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF FOR- tive interface make this a simple and AUDUBON VERMONT: FORESTERS versity and bringing clean water, fresh ESTS, PARKS AND RECREATION: fascinating tool. FOR THE BIRDS * air, wood products, and joy to our lives. ADAPTING FORESTS TO CLIMATE This initiative, launched in partner- THE VERMONT FOREST ECOSYSTEM The association is one of several con- CHANGE * VERMONT INVASIVES * ship with the Vermont Department of MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION servation partnerships in Vermont that This report contains an overarching Collaborators from the University of Forests, Parks and Recreation, engages PROJECT offer models to sustain the vitality of our vision and practical guidance for man- Vermont Cooperative Extension, The foresters and landowners in the imple- In 2004, a multi-disciplinary team of forests for birds and for people. Others aging Vermont forests so that they can Nature Conservancy, and the Vermont mentation of forestry practices that add scientists at the University of Vermont include the Orange County Headwaters withstand climate-related stress and re- Department of Forests, Parks and Rec- vertical and horizontal complexity to began a long-term study of the effects Project and the Taylor Valley Conserva- cover to a healthy condition. It includes reation have collected and organized forests in order to boost avian abun- of disturbance- or structure-based tion Project.

26 27 LITERATURE CITED

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Stoleson, S.H. 2013. Condition varies Townsend, A.K., T.S. Sillett, N.K. Lany, Whitcomb, R.F., C.S. Robbins, J.F. Woodall, C.W., C.M. Oswalt, J.A. West- with habitat choice in postbreed- S.A. Kaiser, N.L. Rodenhouse, Lynch, B.L. Whitcomb, M.K. fall, C.H. Perry, M.D. Nelson, and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ing forest birds. Auk 130:417-428. M.S. Webster, and R.T. Holmes. Klimkiewicz, and D. Bystrak. A.O. Finley. 2009. An indicator This publication was made possible by the generous support of the Davis Conservation Foundation, the Lintilhac Founda- 2013. Warm springs, early lay 1981. Effects of forest fragmen- of tree migration in forests of tion, and the William P. Wharton Trust. In addition, we are most grateful to the following individuals and one anonymous Suarez-Rubio, M., S. Wilson, P. Leim- dates, and double brooding in tation on avifauna of the eastern the eastern United States. Forest donor for their generous contributions to this project; George Clark, Annette Gosnell, Barbara Greenewalt, Warren King, gruber, and T. Lookingbill. 2013. a North American migratory deciduous forest. Pp. 125–206 In Ecology and Management and Ruth Stewart. Threshold responses of forest songbird, the Black-throated Blue R.L. Burgess and D.M. Sharpe 257:1434-1444. Many thanks to our partner agencies, organizations, and private landowners (see Table 1) who allow FBMP study sites birds to landscape changes Warbler. PLoS ONE 8: e59467. (eds.). Forest island dynamics Wyman, R.L., and J. Jancola. 1992. to be located on their land. around exurban development. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059467 in man dominated landscapes. Degree and scale of terrestrial Chris Rimmer improved an earlier version of this report, and deserves special recognition for having the foresight to PLoS ONE 8:e2039. doi: 10.1371/ Springer-Verlag, New York. acidification and amphibian initiate the FBMP so many years ago. journal.pone.0067593 Vermont Department of Forests, Parks community structure. Journal of and Recreation. 2015. Vermont Wilcove, D.S. 1985. Nest predation in Herpetology 26:392–401. Finally, we sincerely thank the cadre of 59 birders listed below who collected the data upon which this report is based. Thompson, E.H., and E.R Sorenson. Forest Fragmentation Report: forest tracts and the decline of The FBMP would not exist without their extraordinary skills, perseverance, dedication, and commitment. 2000. Wetland, Woodland, Report to the Vermont Legisla- migratory songbirds. Ecology Wildland: A Guide to the Natural ture. Vermont Agency of Natural 66:1211–1214. Carl Anderson Brett Engstrom Sean MacFaden Rosalind Renfrew Communities of Vermont. Uni- Resources, Montpelier, VT. Jayson Benoit Steve Faccio Everett Marshall Heidi Rich versity Press of New England, Ken Benton Ted Gaine Nancy Martin Zoe Richards Hanover, NH. Visser, M.E., and C. Both. 2005. Shifts in Tom Berriman Hector Galbraith Tom Moran Chris Rimmer phenology due to global climate Bobbie Jean Booth Mary Gaudette Doug Morin Betty Rist Thompson, F.R., and D.E. Capen. 1988. change: the need for a yardstick. Ernie Buford Jim Graves Scott Morrical Sue Staats Avian assemblages in seral stag- Proceedings of the Royal Soci- Bridget Butler Scott Hall Gregg Moxhay Ruth Stewart es of a Vermont forest. Journal of ety 272:2561–2569. doi:10.1098/ Bill Calfee Eric Hanson Terry Oughton Matt Stone Wildlife Management 52:771-777. rspb.2005.3356 OH SONGBIRD IN MY WEARIEST DAY Dwight Cargill Robert Heiser Ron Payne Ned Swanberg A FEW CLEAR NOTES IS ALL I NEED Sarah Carline Tait Johansson Judy Peterson Michael Sweatman Townsend, A.K., E.G. Cooch, T.S. Sillett, Whelan, C.J., C.H. Sekercioglu, and D.G. AND I SEE WITHOUT WARNING A PRECIOUS RAY Brendan Collins Barry King Bryan Pfeiffer Allon Wildgust N.L. Rodenhouse, R.T Holmes, Wenny. 2015. Why birds matter: OF MAGIC IN EACH ORDINARY THING Ken Cox Warren King Roy Pilcher Paul Wilson and M.S. Webster. 2015. The from economic ornithology to Jason Crooks Mark LaBarr Alan Quackenbush Ian Worley interacting effects of food, spring ecosystem services. Journal YOU ILLUMINATE, RENEW, Chip Darmstadt Liz Lackey Charlie Rabatin Bob Wright temperature, and global climate of Ornithology 156:227-238. TAKE THE SAD OUT OF THE BLUE Walter Ellison Sally Laughlin Craig Reiser cycles on population dynamics doi:10.1007/s10336-015-1229-y SONGBIRD WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOU of a migratory songbird. Global Change Biology 22:544-555. WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOU —Eilen Jewell Front Cover: A common and widespread species in mixed forest stands, Back cover: Old growth forest at The Cape Research Natural Area, the Black-throated Green Warbler has increased by 57% on Vermont Green Mountain National Forest, Goshen, Vermont; one of 31 Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring study sites since 1989. However, the species Forest Bird Monitoring Program study sites. Photo by Steve Faccio could be at risk if the hemlock wooly adelgid continues to expand its range in Vermont. Photo by Matt Stratmoen. Design: Wendy McMillan Design 30 31 32