Bird Habitat Assessment & Management Plan

Consultation | 2025 | Sidney Center, NY

Comprehensive site assessment for a 100-acre former farm identifying opportunities to enhance native bird habitat. Focus areas included a northwest clearing, stream/wetland corridor, two orchards (apple, peach, pear), and existing pond. Client goals centered on supporting diverse bird populations through strategic planting and invasive management.

Site analysis covered topography, hydrology, soil types, and historic ecoregions. Bird species observed in the area were categorized by breeding habitat preferences: generalists, grassland, wetland, forest interior, and ecotone/edge specialists. Management priorities address prominent invasives (honeysuckle, multiflora rose) while preserving beneficial existing vegetation (gray dogwood, flat-top aster, spotted joe pye weed, etc).

Planting recommendations include layered palettes of native forbs, grasses, shrubs, and small trees organized by sun/soil requirements, deer resistance, spread tendency, and seasonal interest. Retail sourcing lists facilitate native plant procurement. Diagrams outline zonal planting strategies for each focus area.