Saratoga National Historical Park Grassland Bird Study Summer 1995

Bidwell, Beth; Borden, Wendy

In 1985, a Breeding Birds Atlas project was conducted in national parks of the northeastern United States to determine the status of species of special concern. Through this study, it was determined that the Henslow's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Northern Harrier breed in the Saratoga National Historical Park. The Grasslands Bird Study is being conducted in an effort to better understand the most appropriate methods of field management to best benefit grassland bird species. (Underwood 1993) Vegetation sampling and bird surveys were conducted in the Saratoga National Historical Park from June 3, 1995 to August 25, 1995. The sampling of these fields will assist in the managerial decision-making process as it pertains to the preservation and maintenance of these historic fields. Due to the fact that birds of special concern breed in the park, the method and timing of field management must consider the breeding biology and habitat requirements of these birds. The sampled fields have been subjected to various management regimes over the years. These include prescribed burning, mowing, grazing, and agriculture. Each field differs in the frequency, intensity, and type of management. The following report includes a materials list, a description of the data collection process, the methodology employed, and an explanation of the data sheets for both the vegetation sampling and the bird surveys