Search for the Saltmarsh Sparrow (nests)

In addition to my own fieldwork, I, Charlotte (again), have helped out with the field work of other members of my lab during my time at UNH. Most recently, I had the opportunity to go into the field to help search for Saltmarsh Sparrow nests in one of my new-found favorite habitats, the salt marshes, which are tidal wetlands in the transition zone between ocean and mainland! I felt quite fortunate to get the chance to help out in such a unique environment.

Salt Marsh Sharp Tailed Sparrows are listed as a species of special concern and so, have been placed on New Hampshire's Wildlife Action Plan. The species has a highly restricted breeding range (90% occurring within the Northeast) and breeding habitat is becoming scarce as a result of habitat loss.

We were looking for saltmarsh sparrow nests, which are extremely difficult to find, as they are hidden under the grasses, close to the ground, and the mothers are very elusive and take great care in being unnoticed.

Here we are searching at Chapman's Landing, where the Squamscott River weaves through the salt marsh out to Great Bay and eventually to the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean.




You can see how tight the grass grows together, and difficult it is to find those nests. It certainly requires patience, and also an awareness of the birds' behavior and if lucky, a flush of the mother from a nest. Even then, finding where the nest from which the bird flushed proved difficult, as the mother typically runs through the grass away from the nest before flushing, in an attempt (and often a successful attempt, at that) to disorient predators (or some pesky grad students).


All in all, however, we found approximately 11 or 12 nests that day (of which I found two!). Below is a picture of a nest with eggs and then beneath that is a photo of some chicks!


The experience was great and it sounds as if I will back in the field to help again, soon, so keep updated!