Grassland Bird Response to Agricultural Field Borders FWRC r e t n e C h c r a e s e R S e E f C i l N d A l V i D W A & H t C s R e A r o E F S E R

In the Southeast, privately owned rural duction goals. Enhancement of farmlands lands constitute almost 80% of the total for grassland birds can be accomplished by land base with timber and agriculture as the incorporating conservation buffers as part primary land uses. Consequently, the health of a comprehensive resource management of wildlife populations in the Southeastern system. United States is largely determined by the Conservation buffers are practical land management decisions of private land- cost-effective conservation practices which owners. These privately owned forests and provide multiple environmental benefits farmlands not only produce food and fiber (increased herbicide and nutrient retention, products to meet growing global markets, reduced soil erosion) while providing habi- they also provide essential habitats for hun- tat for grassland birds. Conservation buf- dreds of wildlife species. fers are vegetative barriers (grass, shrubs, However, increasing demand for food trees) strategically located within or at the worldwide and advancing technology have edge of crop fields to protect elements of the resulted in dramatic intensification of agri- natural environment from effects of weather cultural practices and changes in our agri- and human activities. Within intensive agri- cultural systems. Notable changes have cultural production systems, conservation included farm consolidation, larger field buffers may be the only source of semi-per- size, single-crop production, loss of idle manent grassland habitat for nesting birds. non-crop plant communities, conversion of Idle herbaceous field borders are one type native grasslands to row crops or exotic for- of conservation buffer, but unlike other buf- age grasses, and wetland loss. All of these fer practices, such as riparian buffers and factors have contributed to a reduction in filter strips, field borders can be deployed overall landscape diversity, leaving fewer around the entire field margin, instead of places where wildlife exist and thrive. just along down-slope edges. Field borders Agricultural producers are the stew- are intentionally managed non-crop herba- ards of some of America’s most important ceous plant communities along crop field natural resources and are often interested edges to provide environmental and wildlife in enhancing wildlife habitat value if man- habitat benefits. Field borders are often agement practices can be implemented employed in addition to existing field edge without compromising their agricultural pro- habitats such as fence rows and drainage ditches and may vary in species composition or width depending upon the objectives for their estab- lishment. Field borders may offer opportunities for enhancing farmlands for numerous grassland birds throughout the United States. Scientists in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center have exten- sively studied the use of field borders to enhance bobwhite quail habitat. However, little information American Robin is available on nongame grassland bird use of field borders. If field borders are to be implemented on a Breeding Season Songbird Response nationwide basis to enhance grassland bird habitat During breeding season surveys, 53 species within agricultural production systems, as encour- of birds (1443 individual birds) were observed on aged through many government sponsored conser- experimental fields. The 6 most abundant species vation programs, information regarding grassland were Red-winged Blackbird (20%), Indigo Bunting bird use of field border habitats is required. In (15%), Dickcissel (13%), Mourning Dove (8%), this study, scientists measured the effects of field Northern Cardinal (7%), and Common Grackle borders on populations of breeding and wintering (6%). grassland birds and northern bobwhite in the Black Dickcissel and Indigo Bunting were nearly twice Belt prairie of northeastern Mississippi. as abundant where field borders were established, The studies were conducted on three privately regardless of adjacent plant community type or owned working farms located within the Black width. Dickcissels and Indigo Buntings have been Prairie physiographic region in Clay and Lowndes declining at 4 percent per year and 1.5 percent per counties, Mississippi. Primary agricultural practices year, respectively, during the previous 24 years in were rowcrop, forage, and livestock production. the Black Prairie region, so field border habitats During early spring 2000, experimental field borders may contribute to regional conservation. Although were established along agricultural field margins Indigo Buntings are primarily a forest bird, the field (fence rows, drainage ditches, access roads, and borders provided a herbaceous plant community contour filter strips) on half of each farm. Across along existing wooded edges making these areas these farms an average of 6% of rowcrop field more favorable for foraging, loafing, and nesting area was converted to field border habitats. This sites. Field borders provide vertical and horizon- amounted to 1-2% of the land base of each farm. tal vegetation complexity and may enhance the Producers were paid a monetary incentive simi- suitability of existing linear habitats (ditch banks, lar to those used in common USDA conservation fencerows, road edges) for Dickcissels. buffer programs at the end of each growing season Species richness was greater along bordered for land placed into field borders. Furthermore, pro- than non-bordered transects, however diversity ducers were required not to mow, herbicide, or disk did not differ. Overall bird abundance was greater field borders during the duration of the study. along bordered linear habitats than similar non-bor- Indigo Bunting Grassland Songbird Response to Field Border Management Researchers measured summer and winter abundance and diversity of grassland birds relative to field border management practices during June- July 2002 and February 2002 – 2003. ties, we observed greater densities of Song, Field, and Swamp sparrows along bordered transects than non-bordered transects. Song Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow densities were greater where field borders were established along existing grasslands. Whereas the addition of herbaceous field borders adjacent to grasslands may seem redundant, most grasslands within our study farms were monotypic stands of cool-season, exotic forage grasses and Northern Cardinal provided little vertical structure and few quality food dered edges. However, addition of field borders producing plants. Song Sparrow densities were along larger patches of grasslands or woodlands also greater along field borders adjacent to wooded did not alter the number of birds using these edges. strip habitats than comparable wooded strips with- We speculate that in linear habitats characteristic out a field border. of modern agricultural landscapes, field borders After crops were harvested, field border habi- provided greater plant structure and diversity, thus tats provided suitable cover and food resources supporting a greater number individuals and spe- for many sparrow species. Field borders in our cies. Although our results are based on 1 year of study were recently established (<3 years old) and data, we believe that the magnitude of observed consisted primarily of seed producing grasses and field border effects suggests that field borders may forbs coupled with a relatively open understory. increase the abundance of selected species of This combination likely facilitated ground-based grassland/shrub birds during the breeding season. foraging. Additionally, field borders may provide escape cover in close proximity to foraging sites Wintering Songbird Response within the crop stubble. Therefore, we believe that During winter surveys, 71 species of birds were field borders may enhance the value of existing observed on experimental fields. Of the 17,562 grasslands and crop fields by producing additional individual birds, the 5 most abundant species were foraging habitat and providing escape cover in Red-winged Blackbird (45%), American Pipit (11%), close proximity to waste grain food sources. Song Sparrow (7%), Savannah Sparrow (6%), and American Robin (5%). Northern Bobwhite Response Wintering sparrows were one group of birds Previous studies have demonstrated that that seemed particularly responsive to the pres- field borders may increase forging efficiency of ence of field borders. Many sparrow species bobwhite chicks, use of rowcrop fields, breeding breed on grasslands in the Midwest and winter in season survival, usable space, and local abun- agricultural landscapes in the Southeast. Most sparrows are ground foragers and their use of lin- dance. Although during our study autumn and ear habitats often depends on vegetation structure. breeding season bobwhite density at bordered and Collectively, across most adjacent plant communi- non-bordered farms were not statistically different, the average autumn density at bordered sites was Song Sparrow about 66% greater and the average number of males during the breeding season was about 23% greater than non-bordered sites. These relative effect sizes were similar to those from previous field border studies. We evaluated the net effect of field borders on the proportion of the landscape usable by bobwhite by developing a space-use based habitat model constructed from utilization distributions of radio-marked bobwhite. We applied the habitat suitability model to an agricultural provide important habitat for many grassland landscape in Clay County, MS and simulated birds due to their greater abundance of food usable space before and after 6% of the row (weed seeds) and more complex vegetation crop was converted to 20’ field borders. A structure compared to non-bordered field 6% change in land use increased usable margins. space for bobwhite by nearly 15%. Thus, Field borders should be maintained as a relatively small change in land use, dispro- early successional communities through portionately alters usable space in the land- periodic disturbance (e.g. winter disking) Volume 8, Number 2 Volume scape for bobwhite and may elicit an even to maintain seed producing plants, vegeta- larger proportional population response. tion structure, and arthropods for grassland birds. Summary Resource management systems that Within intensive agricultural landscapes, support both birds and farm operators are field borders provide important idle herba- important for maintenance of a diverse ceous cover for grassland and early suc- farmland bird population. However, imple- cessional birds. Field borders may provide mentation of conservation practices rest nesting, foraging, roosting, loafing, and solely upon farm operators. Only cost-effec- escape cover. During winter, field borders tive farmland conservation practices that may provide important habitat in southern accrue multiple environmental benefits while February 2005 Research Advances agricultural systems where most short dis- enhancing farmland wildlife will gain wide- Research conducted by tance migrants overwinter. Field borders spread acceptance and implementation. Phillip J. Barbour L. Wes Burger, Jr. Rick Hamrick A Guide to Conservation Reserve Program: Mark D. Smith Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Initiative • Only 9,400 acres of field borders available for enrollment in Mississippi. • Cropland must be suitably located and adaptable to the establishment of bobwhite quail • Conservation practice CP33: Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds can be applied around field edges of eligible cropland. • This is a continuous conservation reserve program. For more information • Field borders must be a minimum of 30’ to a maximum of 120’ wide contact: Bob L. Karr, Interim • Incentives include $100 per acre sign up, 50 percent cost share and 40 Director percent practice incentive payment. Forest & Wildlife • Contact the USDA Farm Service Agency for further information. Research Center Box 9680 Mississippi State, MS Acknowledgements Information in this publication was adapted from the doctoral research of Mark 39762 D. Smith and Phillip J. Barbour, working under the direction of L. Wes Burger, Jr., 662-325-2696 Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Fax: 662-325-8726 State University. This research was supported by the Mississippi Department of [email protected] www.cfr.msstate.edu Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Wildlife Habitat Management Institute, MSU’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Karen Brasher, editor MSU’s GeoResources Institute, USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and

Mississippi State University does Education and the cooperation of landowners in Lowndes and Clay Counties, MS. not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or group affiliation, age, disability, or veteran status.

WF210 FWRC United States Department of Agriculture CRP Practice CP33

Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds Job Sheet

DESCRIPTION

Habitat buffers for upland birds are strips of vegetation established around the edges of crop fields to provide habitat for bobwhite quail, ring-neck pheasant, and other upland birds. Many of these birds have suffered population declines due to loss of habitat. These buffers can provide important nesting, brood rearing and escape cover while also serving as travel corridors between areas of suitable habitat. In addition to habitat for upland birds, these buffers may provide habitat for other animals and may limit sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other contaminants from entering streams and other water bodies.

By diversifying vegetation in these buffers, desirable habitat will develop. The growth forms of a variety of Shrub rows will be six (6) feet apart and spaced species, combined with management to increase three (3) to four (4) feet apart within each row. open cover, will provide food sources in the forms of seed, insects and soil invertebrates. Shrubs may be Habitat buffers for upland birds do not include food included to diversify cover and food, but are plots. Food plots will not be established within optional. habitat buffers for upland birds.

It is highly recommended that the local Indiana Buffers can be established around field edges on Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) district any eligible cropland. Buffers can be planted along biologist be consulted for technical assistance one or more sides of a field, however establishing a (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/huntguide1/wbiolo.htm). It buffer around the entire field should be considered is important that site selection and layout, seeding and is highly encouraged. CP33 should be mixture selection, and other critical planning issues designed to be adjacent to cropland and is not be performed correctly in order to maximize intended as a whole field retirement practice. The population gains. “infeasible to farm” rule does not apply. See Farm Service Agency (FSA) INDIANA NOTICES CRP-04- PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS 07 and CRP-05-02 for additional guidance.

CP33 can be established through either natural Habitat buffers for upland birds will not be used as succession, or through planting a mixture of native turn rows, lanes, roads, or for storage of crops or warm season grasses (WSG), legumes, and forbs. equipment. However, crossing the buffer for normal Limited tree and shrub plantings, on up to 10% of farming operations to access the field is permitted. the practice acreage, are allowed. The Natural Habitat buffers will not be grazed, hayed, or mowed Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Field during the life of the contract. CP33 is considered Office Technical Guide (FOTG) Standard 645 - year-round habitat, and as such, should be Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (September considered “hands off” from any farming operations. 2004) will be used when developing seeding mixes CP33 requires monitoring and evaluation of and to determine tree and shrub species for this grassland bird populations (especially quail) to show practice. Standard 645 is available at the success of this practice. These activities will be http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/. coordinated with the IDNR Division of Fish and Allowable buffer widths will be a minimum of 30 feet Wildlife. Although not mandatory, landowner and up to a maximum average width of 120 feet cooperation in this effort is critical and strongly (measured from the edge of the field). encouraged. ESTABLISHMENT adequate soil moisture and warm soil temperature (at least 50 degrees) to germinate. The June 1 Natural Succession A unique feature of CP33 is cutoff date can be adjusted somewhat based on that it allows natural succession to be used as an local conditions, assuming there is adequate establishment method. moisture for seed germination and growth. • Agricultural management practices will be Do not seed WSG in the fall. They require a terminated to allow natural plant succession to minimum of eight weeks growth between emergence occur. and the first frost to become established enough to survive the winter. Emergence can take 21 to 28 • Natural succession will be planned for the least days after seeding for many species. A dry fall and erosive parts of fields and will not be planned early frost may not provide the required time for where gully formation is a problem. establishment. • A temporary cover, such as winter wheat or oats, will be established where erosion is a concern or Table 2 below is an excellent species mix for quail. where noxious weeds are expected to be a Table 2 – Grass/Forb Mix problem. See Standard 327 – Conservation Rate Species Cover (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/) (lbs./acre) for additional guidance. Little Bluestem 2.0 • Spot spraying will be used where noxious weeds, Indiangrass 0.50 such as Canada thistle and Johnsongrass, or Sideoats Grama or 0.75 other invasive species exist. Canada Wildrye 1 Annual Lespedeza1, or 2 2 • Consider including a light legume seeding to ½ to 1 lb. of a forb mix (min. 5 species) enhance the wildlife value. See Table 1 below. 1 Best suited for sites south of Interstate 70 Table 1 - Legumes 2 See Standard 645 - Upland Wildlife Habitat Management Species Rate (lbs./ac) Alfalfa 3 No-till Seeding Use a drill designed to handle the Alsike Clover 1 light fluffy WSG seed. Conventional drills will not work successfully with fluffy seeds such as Big Ladino Clover 0.5 Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, and several Red Clover 2.5 other WSG. Conventional drills will work with 1 Annual Lespedeza 2.5 Switchgrass seed. Many Quail Unlimited and 1 Best suited for sites south of Interstate 70. Pheasants Forever chapters, as well as local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, have WSG drills • See the NRCS job sheet CRP Mid-Contract available. Management: Inter-seeding for additional guidance on inter-seeding legumes (and forbs) at: Conventional Seeding Work the seedbed to a http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crpho depth of three (3) inches. Level and firm the mepage.html. seedbed by disking and follow by culti-packing. Drill to a depth no greater than ¼ inch (1/8 inch is better). • See Standard 647 - Early Successional Habitat Seeding WSG deeper than ¼ inch will lead to Development/Management (August 2004) for potential failure. Seed may be broadcast if additional guidance. Standard 647 is available at accomplished in a uniform manner. Pre-mixing the http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/. seed with 200 lbs. per acre of pelletized lime and Planning and Site Preparation Successful utilizing an airflow applicator is effective. The establishment of warm season grasses begins the seedbed should be culti-packed before and after fall before seeding. Existing cover must be seeding. It is acceptable to see up to ⅓ of the seed eliminated by spraying or tillage. Both methods will on the soil surface. Wind speed should be less than be most successful if started in the fall. If spraying, 15 m.p.h. when using this method. work with a local consultant to determine the best herbicide combination and apply it at the appropriate Frost Seeding Due to the high cost of seed and time in the fall. Consider using a cover crop if lower germination rate, frost seeding should be conventional tillage is used in the fall to prepare the considered a risky option. Establish a nurse crop site. of wheat the fall before frost seeding. Use conventional tillage to establish the crop and seed at Seeding Dates For conventional and no-till the rate of ½ bushel per acre. Seed the WSG into seeding, warm season grasses (WSG) will be the standing wheat in the early spring when the soil seeded between April 15 and June 1. WSG need is “honey combing” (natural soil heaving from the 2 of 5 Indiana - April 2005 repeated freezing and thawing). WSG are so light maintain stand diversity, or control pests that will they need some kind of “carrier” to help get an even damage the CRP cover or adjacent lands. distribution. Pelletized lime at 200 lbs. per acre is an Mowing is not an authorized maintenance effective carrier. Mix the WSG and lime thoroughly activity on acreage devoted to practice CP33. If and spread with an airflow seeder. When frost maintenance activities must be performed to control seeding use a half rate and then double seed, woody vegetation or noxious weeds, a waiver must making the second pass perpendicular to the first. be requested from the FSA to perform spot Use a culti-packer to firm the seedbed if the freeze maintenance. This could include spot herbicide thaw cycle seems to be ending. A specialized hand treatment or hand removal of volunteer trees. seeder can be used on small plots. Wind speed Mowing as maintenance for weed control or for should be less than 15 mph. cosmetic purposes is prohibited. Lime and Fertilizer Lime and fertilizer should not Other maintenance activities are prohibited between be applied to warm March 1 and July 15 (the primary nesting season for season grasses at grassland birds). It is also highly recommended, but establishment not required, to delay any disturbance activities until unless a current soil after August 15, thus reducing the chance of test shows harming fledgling birds and other young wildlife. phosphorus (P) and Maintenance activities are allowed only if the FSA potassium (K) are in County Committee has approved the maintenance the deficient range activity prior to the activity taking place. or the pH is 6.1 or less. Apply only Check for erosion within the buffer. If rill or gully enough P and K to erosion occurs, reshape and reseed the area bring the soil test affected. levels to the moderate range and Mid-Contract Management All habitat buffers for only apply one ton of upland birds must have mid-contract management activities scheduled that are site-specific and will lime per acre if the pH is less than 6.1. ensure plant diversity, wildlife habitat, and protection Additional lime and of soil and water resources. Management activities include prescribed burning (with an approved burn fertilizer above these rates will encourage weeds and greatly reduce the plan), strip disking, inter-seeding forbs, and strip chance of establishing a successful stand of WSG. spraying. For specific job sheets see: Do not apply any nitrogen (N) during establishment. http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphome page.html. Use of Herbicides New herbicides have been introduced for use with WSG. They are very Mowing is not allowed as a mid-contract effective in controlling weeds during the management activity unless used as preparation for establishment year. Producers should contact a prescribed burning, strip spraying, or strip disking. local consultant who can provide recommendations Mid-contract management activities should start on proper herbicides and rates. three years after cover establishment. Only ⅓ of the A request to spot spray or spot mow noxious acreage may be disturbed in any one year unless a weeds (such as Canada thistle and waiver is received from FSA or it is specified in the Johnsongrass), or other invasive species, can be conservation plan. If the acreage is small enough made to the county FSA office during the that disturbing ⅓ of the acreage each year is not establishment period only. feasible, then ½ of the acreage can be scheduled upon discretion of the NRCS conservation planner Shrubs Shrub (and tree) plantings will follow the and FSA County Committee. planting guidelines found in Standard 612 - Tree/Shrub Establishment If the site conditions are such that an additional (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/). disturbance is needed to maintain an early successional habitat, then an additional rotation of mid-contract management activities will be OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE scheduled. The determination of how often the mid- contract management activities shall be performed is After the final status review, maintenance of the a decision of the NRCS conservation planner. planting will follow the CRP conservation plan. However, in no circumstances can the mid-contract Maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot management activity requirement be waived unless basis and only if necessary to maintain stand health, permission is obtained from the FSA state office.

3 of 5 Indiana - April 2005

HABITAT BUFFERS FOR UPLAND BIRDS (CRP CP33) SPECIFICATIONS SHEET

For: Farm #: Field(s): Tract #: Planned By: Date:

SEE ATTACHED MAP FOR HABITAT BUFFER AREA LOCATIONS

GRASS-FORB SEEDING AREAS Layout Field border 1 Field border 2 Field border 3 Field border 4 Border width (feet) Border length (feet) Area (acres) Grass Species 1: 2: 3: 4: Total Grass (PLS pounds/acre)

Perennial Forb Mix (minimum 5 species) 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: Total Forbs (PLS ounces/acre) Planting

Tillage: Date: Herbicide: Date: Herbicide: Date: Lime/Fertilizer: Date: Planting Method: Date: Post-Planting Maintenance for Noxious Weeds and Woody Growth Control Herbicide: Date: Note: After the final status review has been completed, maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot basis and only with prior approval of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee. Maintenance activities must be conducted between July 15 and March 1 unless prior approval for work outside these dates has been given by FSA County Committee. Mowing is not allowed as maintenance or as a mid- contract management activity unless used as preparation for prescribed burning, strip spraying, or strip disking. Mid-Contract Management Starting in year: Portion of field to be disturbed: Repeated every years Strip Disking Prescribed Burning Strip Spraying Inter-seeding Forbs Additional guidance:

4 of 5 Indiana - April 2005

NATURAL SUCCESSION AREAS Temporary cover: Legumes/Forbs to be inter-seeded: Maintenance for Noxious Weeds and Woody Growth Control Weed control Herbicide: Other: Note: After the final status review has been completed, maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot basis and only with prior approval of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee. Maintenance activities must be conducted between July 15 and March 1 unless prior approval for work outside these dates has been given by FSA County Committee. Mowing is not allowed as maintenance or as a mid- contract management activity unless used as preparation for prescribed burning, strip spraying, or strip disking. Mid-Contract Management Starting in year: Portion of field to be disturbed: Repeated every years Strip Disking Prescribed Burning Strip Spraying Inter-seeding Legumes/Forbs Additional guidance:

SHRUB/TREE PLANTING AREAS (optional) Acres of shrubs or trees to be planted: Recommended species

Planting Site Preparation Tillage: Herbicide: Planting Date: Plant Spacing: ft. x ft. Planting Method: Row Spacing: ft. Post-Planting Maintenance Weed control Herbicide: Other: Note: After the final status review has been completed, maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot basis and only with prior approval of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee. Maintenance activities must be conducted between July 15 and March 1 unless prior approval for work outside these dates has been given by FSA County Committee.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

5 of 5 Indiana - April 2005 United States Department of Agriculture Feathering Wooded

Edges Indiana - December 2005 Conservation Practice Job Sheet (647)

OVERVIEW includes a wide band of plants that gradually change from one type of vegetation to another. Edge, the transitional zone between habitat All too frequently, however, this “feathered” types, provides an important but increasingly edge has been eliminated because of past efforts rare habitat for wildlife. The area, for example, to maximize the area for other purposes such as between a mature forest and adjacent grassland agricultural land. This results in an abrupt and or cropland is considered edge. In this quite noticeable change in vegetation with a document, we will also include wooded corresponding loss in important habitat fencerows as edge. components. The purpose of feathering wooded edges is to provide habitat in agricultural landscapes for rabbits, quail, pheasants, and certain songbirds. This practice will create shrubby and weedy areas, an essential habitat component for many wildlife species. In areas with a higher forest component, feathering can be valuable for grouse, turkey, and numerous woodland songbirds. In addition to woodlands and tree- dominated fencerows, this practice can also be applied along the edges of ditch banks, Photo: IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife sinkholes, and draws that are located adjacent to All wildlife species need food, cover, and water cropland, hayland, and pasture. within their normal home range to survive. A There are two methods to feather the edge of gradual transition zone (one that moves from woodland: grasses to shrubs and vines, to small trees, and then to large trees) provides many benefits for 1. Thinning of overstory trees where edge wildlife. These benefits may include providing feathering is completed by conducting nesting and brood cover, protection from thinning in and along the woodland edge. weather and predators, and food such as berries, 2. Planting field borders where edge feathering seeds, browse, and insects. is completed by planting trees, shrubs, and Wooded fencerows can also provide habitat grasses along the woodland edge. similar to that of feathered woodland edges if managed correctly. In addition, feathering may THE IMPORTANCE OF EDGE also provide escape cover and serve as travel corridors for wildlife. The amount, quality, and diversity of edge directly affect its quantity and diversity of Edges are also important because they form an wildlife populations. In a high-quality wooded environment for many soft-mast (fruits and edge, a transition in both height and plant berries) producing plants that cannot thrive in composition is created between the wooded mature forests or cultivated fields. Most of component and the adjacent land use. This edge these plants are early successional species that cannot tolerate the shade and competition of a • Feathering will extend 30 to 50 feet inward forest or the constant disturbance associated from the woodland edge. with cultivation and grazing. Soft-mast is an • Removal of woody vegetation will not occur important source of food for many wildlife from April 15 through September 15, to species, especially during the summer. Tables 1 avoid the potential for accidental take of the and 2 list desirable soft-mast producing plants. endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), Table 1 – Soft-mast producing trees which may be using trees within this zone to raise their young. This will also minimize Common Name Scientific Name disturbance to any other nesting wildlife that American Plum Prunus americana may be utilizing the area being feathered. Black Cherry Prunus serotina Chokecherry Prunus virginiana • For the purpose of this document, a wooded Crabapple, Flowering Malus sargentii fencerow is considered any portion of a Devil's Walking Stick Aralia spinosa fencerow that: Dogwoods Cornus spp. a) is not harvested or grazed, Hawthorns Crataegus spp. Hazelnut Corylus americana b) is located between working fields such as Mulberry Morus rubra cropland, grassland, hayland or pasture, Persimmon Diospyros virginiana

Redbud Cercis canadensis c) is at least 10 feet wide, and d) has a continuous overhead canopy of tree Table 2 – Soft-mast producing shrubs/vines species whose average drip line extends Common Name Scientific Name to, or exceeds, the edges of the fencerow Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum width. Elderberry Sambucus canadensis • Apply edge feathering to sections 50 to 100 Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia feet in length along the woodland edge or Nannyberry Viburnum lentago fencerow. Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea Sumacs Rhus spp. • Treat any tall fescue or other sod-forming Parthenocissus grass growing beneath the tree canopy where Virginia Creeper quinquefolia the edge feathering is going to occur with an Wild Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis approved herbicide. This is best performed Wild Grape Vitis spp. in the fall after the leaves have fallen from Wild Raspberry Rubus occidentalis any existing desirable shrubs, and while the grasses are still green and actively growing. Shrubs, vines and briars also provide benefits at The removal of sod-forming grasses will ground level. Due to the dense, overhead hasten the establishment of beneficial, canopy that these plant groups provide, naturally occurring plants, forbs, and shrubs vegetation at ground level tends to be sparse, that will respond to the increased exposure to allowing wildlife to freely move about to forage, sunlight once edge feathering has been nest, travel, or rest in secure cover. completed. • Control all woody vegetation greater than SPECIFICATIONS four (4) inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and/or woody vegetation greater than The following apply to edge feathering 12 feet tall within the specified boundaries of developed by the thinning of overstory trees. the feathered area. This is best conducted • Feathering should be applied to the entire during fall and winter months after leaf fall width of a fencerow if it is less than 50 feet has occurred and while the trees are not as wide. heavy with sap.

2 of 5 Indiana - December 2005 • Allow desirable fruit-bearing shrubs and • Treat the cut stumps of undesirable tree trees to grow (see Tables 1 and 2). species and vines with an approved herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. The stumps of • In fencerows, only one-quarter (¼) to one- invasive shrubs such as autumn olive and third (⅓) of the fence line in a particular field shrub honeysuckles should also be treated. will be treated during a one-year period. • Treetops must remain in the fencerow or • The width of a fencerow will not be wooded edge, and laid shingle-like within the decreased because of this practice. treatment area. See Figure 1. By laying the • Alternate the treated areas with undisturbed treetops in this fashion, native grasses, forbs, areas of 200 to 300 feet in length. The and weeds will grow up through the tree resulting staggered pattern of treated and branches. The resulting complex will untreated lengths will provide a diversity of provide excellent escape and winter cover. habitat types. Additional sites may be treated along the undisturbed sections at no less than 3-year intervals. • Desirable species that are capable of re- sprouting should be cut at ground level, or no higher than 10 inches from the ground. See Table 3 for desirable species capable of coppice regeneration.

Table 3 - Species capable of re-sprouting Common Name Scientific Name Figure 1 Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica • Edge feathering will not be conducted by use Ash, White Fraxinus americana of a bulldozer. See appropriate equipment Basswood Tilia americana under “Considerations.” Black Cherry Prunus serotina Dogwood, Red-Osier Cornus stolonifera The following applies to planting shrubs and Dogwood, Roughleaf Cornus drummondii field borders. Dogwood, Silky Cornus amomum Hackberry1 Celtis occidentalis • The width of the area to be planted along the Mulberry Morus rubra woodland edge will be at least 30 feet. Oak, Black Quercus velutina • Divide the area to be planted into at least two Oak, Bur Quercus macrocarpa (2) zones: Oak, Chinkapin Quercus muehlenbergii Oak, Pin Quercus palustris a) In the zone closest to the woodland, plant Oak, Red Quercus rubra at least two (2) rows of shrubs on 6’x 6’ Oak, Scarlet Quercus coccinea spacing. See Indiana Field Office Oak, White Quercus alba Technical Guide (FOTG) Standard 645 Persimmon Diospyros virginiana Upland Wildlife Habitat Management for Sassafras Sassafras albidum more information and a list of shrub Yellow-Poplar Liriodendron tulipifera species. b) The outside zone nearest the cropland • Chemical control of woody vegetation will should be planted to a mixture of grasses, be accomplished by using one or more of the legumes and forbs beneficial to wildlife. following methods: broadcast, spot, cut-stem See FOTG Standard 645 for more treatments, or basal spraying. information and a list of appropriate 1 Poor sprouting from trees greater than 14 in DBH species.

3 of 5 Indiana - December 2005 • Where the planting area can be wider than • Logs from this practice may be used for the minimum, an addition zone of small fruit, posts, lumber or firewood. seed, and nut bearing trees should be planted closest to the woods on 10’ x 10’ spacing. MAINTENANCE

The following applies to both methods of As tree species within the treated areas grow in edge feathering. height and diameter and shading increases, the • Livestock will be excluded from the edge structural characteristics and types of vegetation being feathered. within the site that once provided food and cover close to ground level will decline. To • All federal, state and local guidelines and regain the beneficial habitat components, the manufacturers’ label rates will be followed edge feathering practice must be reapplied to when applying herbicides. those same sites, or additional edge-feathered sites should be created nearby to replace those CONSIDERATIONS that are maturing. It is best to set up a maintenance regime whereby no more than one- • During the planning process, it is important third of the existing sites are treated in any to determine the targeted wildlife species, given year. Adjacent or nearby sites should not and any unintended consequences of edge be treated within a 3-year interval. feathering. In some cases, for example, Use herbicides or other appropriate measures, increasing the feathered edge may enhance on a spot basis, to control invasive vegetation the ability of invasive plant species to move and noxious weeds. into the forest and decrease its value to wildlife. Edge may also have a negative REFERENCES impact on some wildlife species such as cerulean warbler that need large, intact Indiana Department of Natural Resources, forests. Division of Fish & Wildlife, Habitat • The best time of year to perform edge Management Fact Sheet: Woodland Edge feathering is after leaf fall (October through Enhancement. March). (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/woodland.pdf) • Landowners may opt to retain one living Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Shagbark Hickory or other tree having Private Lands Wildlife Management: A exfoliating (loose) bark per practice site to Technical Guidance Manual and provide roosting and rearing sites for the Correspondence Course, February 1, 1992. Indiana bat. Standing, girdled trees also Missouri Department of Conservation, Wildlife provide important nesting habitat for a wide Management for Missouri Landowners: Edge variety of cavity-nesting wildlife as the trees Feathering, Forest keepers, Bulletin #27. begin to decay. The decomposing trees (http://216.119.79.248/pdfs/27.pdf) attract insects and other invertebrates, which in turn provide food for other wildlife. For USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, safety reasons, all standing dead and/or Indiana Field Office Technical Guide Standard girdled trees should be located away from 647 - Early Successional Habitat lanes, roads, paths, or other frequently Development/Management, August 2004. traveled areas. (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/) • Edge feathering may be conducted by hand USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, cutting, shearing, or use of a hydraulic tree Illinois Conservation Practices Job Sheet 645D clipper, hydro-axe, chainsaw or other – Woodland Edge Feathering, Draft September approved method. 2005.

4 of 5 Indiana - December 2005

FEATHERING WOODED EDGES SPECIFICATIONS SHEET

Landowner: Farm #: Field(s) #: Tract #: Planned By: Date: Concurrence of IDNR District Biologist (recommended):

Specific Recommendations

Purpose of edge feathering:

Target wildlife species:

Method of edge feathering:

Acres of wooded edge to be feathered:

Additional operation and maintenance:

Site/Sketch Map

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights” 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

5 of 5 Indiana - December 2005 NATURAL RESOURCE ENTERPRISES WildlifeWildlife andand RecreationRecreation

MOURNING DOVE MANAGEMENT FOR LANDOWNERS

For landowners interested in starting a natural The mourning dove is the most popular game resource-basedF alternative enterprise in the bird in the country, with an annual harvest Southeast, managing fields planted to food plots greater than all other game birds combined. In for use by mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), Mississippi, the mourning dove annual harvest is and other wildlife species can be an attractive greater than any other game bird species. It is the option. number two most hunted small game species, sec- One thing that makes it an attractive option is ond only to squirrels in numbers of hunters. Its that it is not necessary to obligate large land areas quick flight, erratic movement, and its quality for to have a successful dove field. Other positive eating make it popular among both hunters and aspects include the small financial investment wildlife enthusiasts. required, the direct and indirect benefits to other Managing for doves can provide landowners wildlife species, and the high level of social inter- enjoyment and an alternative source of income in action and tradition associated with dove hunting. the fall and winter. NATURAL RESOURCE ENTERPRISES LIFE HISTORY risoria). The Eurasian collared-dove (considered an exotic species) is becoming fairly common in some Mourning doves are medium-sized migratory areas because of its rapid colonization of different birds that range from Alaska to most of South parts of North America. The domesticated ringed America.M Recent surveys estimate there are approx- turtle-dove is much less common and seems to be imately 500 million doves in the United States. less capable of increasing its population once Their song is a low-toned, mournful cooah, coo, released into the wild. Both these species are most coo, coo. The call of doves is a common sound in often observed in and around cities or suburban rural and suburban backyards, although it can easi- areas, but recently the Eurasian collared-dove has ly go unnoticed. Although mourning doves are been found in rural areas where doves are hunted. migratory birds, they will stay in warm climates, State regulations vary from state to state as to such as Mississippi, year-round. Whether they taking these exotic species during migratory bird migrate or stay in one place year-round depends on hunting seasons. Be sure to check with your state their habitat and forage needs being met and the wildlife agency regulations before taking such birds early winter’s not being too severe. during regulated dove hunting seasons. Currently Doves return to their breeding grounds in late (2004) in Mississippi, you can harvest the Eurasian winter. If there is an unusually heavy snowfall or collared-dove during dove seasons, and this does temperatures near zero, many birds may die from not count against the specified bag limit of mourn- freezing or not being able to find food. In ing doves. Mississippi, early migrants may begin nesting as The Eurasian collared-dove is considerably larger early as late February, and nesting increases through than the native mourning dove, has squared rather April. Clutch size averages two eggs per nesting than pointed tail feathers, and is pale in color over- cycle but can be as many as four eggs. For the first all as compared to a mourning dove. Seen flying three days after the young hatch, the parents feed near each other, it is quite easy to tell the difference them crop milk, a highly nutritious liquid. After in species. The ringed turtle-dove is smaller than this, the young are fed seeds. The mourning dove the Eurasian collared-dove but still slightly larger nesting cycle takes approximately 33 days, beginning than the native mourning dove. The colors of this with nest building and incubation and ending with domesticated dove vary, but the overall appearance the fledgings leaving the nest. To maintain popula- is usually very pale, almost white, and is very much tion numbers, pairs of birds try five or six nestings different in coloration from the native mourning and often produce three or four broods in three to dove. Although the Eurasian collared-dove is larger, six nesting cycles per year. Generally five or six and paler, and its flight pattern is slightly different young will be raised per pair each year. from that of mourning dove’s, when prepared for Mourning doves have a short lifespan, living on the table in the same manner as mourning doves, average just longer than one year. The mortality the taste is very similar. rate for first-year doves is between 60 and 75 per- For information about proper care of harvested cent, and adults have an average mortality rate of doves in the field and preparation for freezing and 50 to 60 percent. This is similar to rabbit, quail, for the table, contact the MSU Extension Wildlife and many other small game wildlife species. and Fisheries Office at (662) 325-3174 or check the Because of their naturally high mortality rate, many website: http://msucares.com/wildfish/. doves that are not taken by hunters will die over the course of winter because of exposure, disease, or HABITAT AND FOOD starvation. Hunters can annually harvest 15 percent About the only things mourning doves eat are of the mourning doves in the fall seasons without seeds and plants, although doves will sometimes eat impacting the population as a whole. insects.A Their main diet is seeds from agricultural Other doves that may be found using managed crops (grains), native grasses, and weeds. Mourning dove fields in the Southeastern United States doves are poor scratchers and will not scratch for include the Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia seeds. They feed primarily on open ground. decaocto) and the ringed turtle-dove (Streptopelia NATURAL RESOURCE2 ENTERPRISES Fields prepared for doves need to have some LANTING AND ARVESTING disked open areas to keep weeds from becoming P H established and going to seed. When managing You should begin preparing a field that will pro- your land for mourning doves, try to have foraging vide food for doves and other wildlife species in habitat near nesting sites. Doves will travel for food, earlyY spring. By the time late summer arrives, some but they prefer local food sources. grains will have begun to shatter to provide food for In Mississippi, nesting space is generally not a the returning doves now beginning to flock to avail- limiting factor. The preferred nesting habitat for able food sources. doves is in trees or tall shrubs with an average Plant a variety of grains, such as sunflower, height of 15 feet from the ground. A nesting site browntop millet, and sorghum to increase the seed needs to provide cover from predators as well as availability to the doves from early fall through win- protection from the sun in summer months and cold ter. As an example, Mississippi Department of in late winter or early spring. In late winter, early Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in cooperation with nesting doves prefer coniferous trees for nesting to Mississippi State University Extension Service, hide them from predators. planted a demonstration field in 2003. The demon- Doves require fresh water for drinking. There stration field alternated rows of browntop millet, must be a pond, puddle, or stream near their nesting sunflower, and bare ground. Two weeks before dove sites for access to fresh water daily, ideally in the season, the rows between the millet and sunflower morning and evening. The water source should be were disked to create bare ground that removed in an area with little vegetation. This gives them weeds that had grown since planting and provided easy access to the water’s edge and good visibility to open areas for doves to alight for feeding and to be able to drink and watch for predators at the same find grit. Also, leaving bare ground between rows time. made finding downed birds much easier for the Mourning doves prefer seeds from the following hunters. plant species: Here is a suggested planting sequence for mourn- American sweetgum Japanese millet ing doves: Plant two strips of browntop millet, disk barley Johnsongrass one strip for bare ground, plant one strip of sun- flower, disk one strip for bare ground, and so forth. barnyard grass lespedeza Repeat this sequence throughout the field. bristlegrass pine seed browntop millet poke weed browntop millet buckwheat primrose millet browntop millet Carolina cranebill rye bare ground common ragweed sedges sunflower corn sesame bare ground cowpeas soybean browntop millet croton Sudan grass browntop millet crowfoot sunflower bare ground Egyptian wheat wheat sunflower dove proso millet wild peas bare ground grain sorghum browntop millet browntop millet

NATURAL RESOURCE3 ENTERPRISES If you plan to harvest grain crops, leave several pounds per acre if broadcast; and for best results, rows unharvested, to provide seed through the win- have a soil test before planting to determine the ter for birds and other wildlife. Browntop millet right fertilizer and possibly lime that will need to be will reseed if not disturbed or manipulated and added. If you don’t have a soil test, 300 pounds per allowed to mature. Simply disk the field lightly in acre of 6-12-12 fertilizer for the browntop millet the spring and fertilize. The millet seed left behind and 13-13-13 for the sunflower will be adequate on from the previous year will germinate and provide a most soils. good stand that can substantially lower your sec- An average 10-acre field of browntop millet and ond-year planting costs. If you leave unharvested sunflower planted in strips will have the following strips of millet and sunflower, this will provide food estimated costs: seed will cost $10 to $12 per acre and cover for returning doves, coinciding with the (varies, depending on time of the year you buy it, split second and third hunting seasons. variety, and brand). Fertilizer prices can range from Disk unplanted strips two to three weeks before $350 to $400, depending on the fertility of the soil. dove season to ensure the open ground doves prefer Lime prices vary from $45 to $60 per ton (depend- to alight and walk around on. Disking also lets ing on the quality of the soil, it is best to have this doves get to the seed that has shattered and is on tested before planting). Equipment and labor is the ground next to the planted strips. Disking at estimated at $30/hr for 8 hours of preparation, least two weeks ahead gives the birds enough time planting, and disking before season, or a total of to recover from this habitat disturbance. For fur- $240. Estimated total cost: $700 (this is probably a ther information on the feeding preferences and higher estimate than average). Cost of herbicide planting recommendations for mourning doves and applications, if needed, would be added to these other wildlife species of the Southeast, see the costs. Wildlife Food-Planting Guide for the Southeast, Extension Publication 2111. LIABILITY INSURANCE If you don’t want to use sunflower, either Liability is a real concern for landowners allow- because of competing wildlife, such as deer eating ing access to their land. Landowners who charge a the sunflower, or for some other reason, substitute a feeL need more protection for themselves and the nonbird resistant variety of grain sorghum, milo, or hunters or other recreational users who access their Egyptian wheat. To correct a serious anticipated land. If there is any doubt as to the potential for weed problem before planting, using Extension her- litigation from allowing fee access for dove hunting bicide recommendations for selective species control or other recreational use, it is advisable to seek the as provided in Publication 1532, the 2004 Weed advice and counsel of an attorney. You can buy lia- Control Guidelines for Mississippi. bility insurance separately or add it as a rider to an operation policy you already have. Consider devel- ESTIMATED COSTS oping a waiver or including a release agreement that Costs for preparing a dove food plot as a wildlife must be signed by everyone who hunts on your enterprise will vary greatly, depending on the type property. If there are any risk factors, such as old ofC seed you plant, how you manage the standing well sites, downed power lines, dead trees that may crop, whether you provide cold drinks and water or fall, or other risks that could be seen as landowner other amenities to the hunters, whether you provide negligence, you should inform users or solve the flagged stands, and if you will provide a meal problems before allowing access to your property. and/or lodging after the hunt. To recover costs and When getting insurance, you should be aware make a profit, you should think about all of these that liability insurance covers loss caused by negli- factors when deciding what you will charge to hunt gence but not loss caused by a willful act of the on your land. insured. Negligence is one of the conditions that You can use the following figures to calculate the can be greatly reduced on most private lands cost of preparing a dove field: plant browntop mil- through risk planning. Anyone who allows public let at a rate of 8 pounds per acre if drilled, 10 use of his or her land for recreational use, whether NATURAL RESOURCE4 ENTERPRISES or not a fee is charged for access and/or use of the discuss rules and regulations you expect them to property, should consider getting sufficient liability obey while on your property. This discussion would insurance coverage. Liability insurance companies include the following: generally limit the total liability of the insurance 1. Inform hunters of shooting hours, for exam- company to a specific sum per occurrence, which ple: 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Plan may be much less than the liability incurred by the either a morning or afternoon shoot, but do not insured, but it does reduce the risk of loss. allow both the first day, or you will find yourself If you already have insurance on your property, having birds stay around only a very short while. you can work with your present insurer to see if a To keep birds returning to a prepared field, set up rider can be added as a supplement to the policy morning or afternoon hunts only once or twice a you already have to get adequate liability coverage. week and never on two days in a row. Ideally, it is Others who plan to lease their land to an individual best to alternate one hunt per week in the morning or group may require the lessee(s) to get liability and, if desired, another in the afternoon later on in insurance as a part of their written lease agree- the week. ments. A number of insurance companies offer a 2. To avoid confusion and potential over har- rider for coverage of public recreational use or for vesting of the birds coming to the field, all hunters hunting clubs. If you have questions about the need who are finished shooting or who have shot their for liability insurance for the type of natural- limit should leave the field as soon as possible after- resource enterprise you are considering, you may ward. The legal bag limit is 15 mourning doves in want to consult your attorney. Mississippi, and the possession limit is 30, except on the first day of the season. The possession limit is REGULATIONS not allowed on the first day of any of the three sep- The mourning dove is a federally-regulated arate hunting seasons. migratory bird, but because it is also a widely hunt- 3. Legally, shotguns must not be able to hold edT game species, it requires certain restrictions on more than three shells at any time when hunting hunting. When you are hunting mourning doves, doves (one in the chamber and two in the magazine the maximum allowed bore size of a shotgun is 10 gauge, the shotgun must not hold more than three shells at any given time, and it is illegal to use bait or live decoys to attract doves. Federal regulation requires that grains used to attract doves must be planted in a standard agricultural manner. Changing the field after the grain has matured, by disking or bush hogging is allowed, as long as you don’t add grain of any type to the field. It is illegal to place piles of grain or to add other grain of any type into the field. If there is any question about the way grain in the field has been manipulated, you can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement agent or State Wildlife Agency enforce- ment officers and ask them to conduct a field check before hunting season to make sure you comply with existing regulations. It is important for all hunters who will be allowed access to your land to know the rules and regulations that apply to the hunt, and it is essential they abide by them. Have all hunters show up at a set time and location before they enter the field to NATURAL RESOURCE5 ENTERPRISES of pumps and semi-automatics). When hunting follow them. The earlier all shooters leave a field, doves, except for use of side by side, over and under, the more likely birds will keep returning to the field or single shot shotguns, the hunter must plug his as long as food continues to be available. For exam- shotgun so that not more than two shells can be ple, hunters who begin shooting 30 minutes before inserted into the magazine. sunrise and leave by 9:30 a.m. or earlier will enable 4. Hunters must have a valid state hunting doves to return to the field to feed. However, if license that is signed and on their person before doves are shot in the field until noon, many of the going into the fie