Review and download Chapter 3 - Golden-winged Warbler Working ...

Grazing
Grazing can maintain pastures and old
fields, in an early-successional condition
suitable for Golden-winged Warblers by
reducing growth of woody vegetation
(Figure 3–24). In the Appalachians, graze
one animal unit/5–10 ac (2–4 ha) during
the growing season. Greater intensity
grazing (up to one animal unit per acre) is
acceptable during the summer for short
periods of time (i.e., less than two
months). On high elevation sites, winter
and early spring grazing can help setback
woody vegetation.
Figure 3–25. American Woodcock are
frequently associated with Golden-winged
Warbler breeding habitat. Photo by Eric
Dresser.
Herbicide Application
Herbicides that selectively target woody plant
growth can be used effectively, especially in
combination with other management tools,
such as fire, grazing, or mowing to retard plant
succession and prolong the period of habitat
suitability for Golden-winged Warblers.
Chemicals should be target specific and
applied by a certified applicator (where
required). When working in or near surface
water or wetlands, use only chemicals
appropriate for aquatic systems.
Figure 3–24. As this West Virginia site demonstrates, moderate
to light cattle grazing can help maintain Golden-winged Warbler
habitat. Photo by Kyle Aldinger.
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Managing Shrub Wetlands
Harvesting wetland or upland shrubs as patches
perpendicular to open water is commonly used to
improve feeding habitat for American Woodcock
(Figure 3–25). Strips should be 50–100 ft (15–30 m)
wide and cross a moisture gradient when possible;
this is important for providing good woodcock
foraging conditions through wet and dry weather
cycles. Strips or patches should be cut every 20
years with 25% of the area rotationally harvested
every five years.
Modifications for Golden-winged Warbler – If strip
mowing is used, periodic clumps of shrubs and
scattered trees should be retained in each strip. In
all cases, edges should be irregular.
For more information on American Woodcock
ecology and habitat management guidelines, visit
www.timberdoodle.org/