Goal(s) and Objectives
- To improve woodcock feeding habitat by periodic rejuvenation
of over mature alder cover.
Good feeding (daytime) Good feeding (daytime) covers are essential
for woodcock well being. The Woodcock Conservation Society (WCS)
anticipates woodcock will be feeding in this rejuvenated habitat
in 2012.
Ruffed grouse, white tail deer, snowshoe hare and a variety of
songbirds are species which also benefit from this rejuvenated habitat.
Activities
Between November 2007 and January 2008 when the alders are dormant,
a local logging contractor will clear a 14 acre site of over mature
alder growth.
The WCS estimates the project will require 56 hours of work on
the part of the brush mower to complete the project.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to
be Supported by WHC's Contributions
This site will yield a rejuvenated habitat for woodcock and other
migratory birds of 14 acres provided by the landowner.
The new alder growth will offer more nesting areas for female woodcock.
The females and young will stay and feed in the new cover. This
will encourage a healthy increase in the woodcock population.
Other upland game birds such as the ruffed grouse, as well as snowshoe
hare, songbirds and white tailed deer will benefit from this rejuvenated
alder habitat.
By the example of this co-operation between WHC, private landowners,
and the WCS, other groups and agencies will be inspired and encouraged
to follow our lead and establish other wildlife habitat projects.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
In 1937, the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge near Calais, Maine
was established. The refuge was established to develop, test and
demonstrate woodcock management techniques. Today, work continues
with the objective of developing woodcock habitat management methods
to increase woodcock numbers.
The Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada established a Woodcock Habitat
Enhancement Project in November 2003. This project is located at
Pleasant Hills, Colchester County and involves rejuvenating old,
over mature alder feeding cover.
The WCS and Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund (NSHCF) in partnership
established a Woodcock Habitat Enhancement Project at Princeport,
Colchester County, in the fall of 2005. This project also involved
rejuvenating old, over mature alder feeding cover and establishing
temporary woodcock singing grounds. The initial project work was
completed on December 1 and 2, 2005. This is the first project for
the WCS in partnership with the NSHCF.
The 2007 Enhancement Project will be established on privately owned
lands. The WCS hopes this project leads to more conservation projects
and more partnerships between private landowners, government and
conservation organizations.
This project will provide increased habitat not only for woodcock
but also for many other species of wildlife. The project and publicity
will encourage public access and increased awareness of the importance
of proper habitat for protecting our wildlife.
Project Location
The property being offered by the landowner is located in Maitland,
Hants County, Nova Scotia and is 62 acres in area. We plan to rejuvenate
14 acres in this project.
Project Contact
For more information on this project, please contact Robert
Stewart, Chairman, Woodcock Conservation Society, Stewiacke,
Nova Scotia.
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