MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to protect grassland birds by urging people who own large fields not to mow them until late summer after the birds have raised their young.
Fish and Wildlife and Audubon Vermont say a number of bird species and other animals, such as deer fawns and wild turkey chicks also take refuge in tall grass.
For farmers who maintain commercial hayfields and grazing pastures, Audubon Vermont is working with the Bobolink Project, which uses donated funds to provide financial assistance to participating farmers who modify their mowing schedules to protect nesting grassland birds.
This year, they worked with 17 farmers to protect more than 600 acres of grassland habitat.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.