I've been doing research for my book and my radio program about when the best time is to cut hay if there are bobolinks, meadowlarks, and other grassland birds on the hayfield. (Well--they're on, or SHOULD be on, EVERY hayfield, but...) Marge Gibson, bird rehabber extraordinaire, sent me some suggestions. If anyone has anything to add, I've posted what I have on my blog today.
<http://www.birderblog.com/index.php?v=06-24-05#06-24-05_074708.txt> I'd appreciate any additional information. Meanwhile, if you have a hayfield, or friends or relatives with one, encourage them to WAIT until baby songbirds have fledged if at all possible. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN www.birderblog.com There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson
