Birds Tell the Story

Just as migrating birds begin to return to the Upper Valley, UVLT is launching a project that counts on them to tell us about the health of the land we care for.  Upper Valley birders are invited to volunteer at Zebedee Wetland in Thetford, to survey the presence of certain species there.

Zebedee is a popular birding site and a wonderful place to observe a wide variety of bird species due to its varied habitats. But invasive plants are a concern. After buckthorn and honeysuckle were successfully eliminated in 2013, bittersweet has taken hold in those spaces. Also, the once towering ash trees are in decline due to emerald ash borer. At this property, active management, such as restoration plantings, may be helpful to improve habitat. This survey lays the groundwork for that.

From late spring to late summer, birders will visit Zebedee weekly or biweekly to collect observations at two specific sites. We’ve selected five species to survey: Wood Ducks, American Bittern, Wood Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, White-throated Sparrow. Each of these has a different preferred habitat type. White-throated sparrows like Coniferous and mixed forests, while black throated blue warblers are mixed deciduous-coniferous forests with understories. Zebedee potentially can serve all these different species. The survey will indicate the extent to which they are currently found there.

Using data sheets provided by UVLT, volunteers will record which of the species were observed, the number and the rough location. The visits may occur any time between 6am to 11am. Each visit should take about an hour – fifteen minutes at each of the two sites and 30 minutes to get it and out of the property.

This survey results will indicate how the wetlands and forests at Zebedee are currently supporting different kinds of birds. Using that information UVLT can determine management priorities and seek grant funding for implementation. In this way, birds, and the volunteers who champion them, are key partners in UVLT’s efforts to promote and restore healthy wetlands and forests.

Volunteers may serve for all or a portion of the survey season, depending on availability. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this google form.