The Bobolink Project

Grassland birds are disappearing in the northeastern U.S. This decline is largely due to hayfield mowing during the weeks that birds like Bobolinks are actively nesting. New England's working farmers, in particular, face financial pressures that force them to mow earlier and more frequently. To protect these grassland birds we must develop new strategies for promoting conservation on private farms.

The Bobolink Project uses donated funds to provide financial assistance to participating farmers who modify their mowing schedules so that grassland nesting birds can successfully raise their young. The Bobolink Project is a proven approach that can protect birds and farms.

Fields are ranked and selected based on biological suitability for nesting grassland birds, then on the financial aspects of the submitted bid. Biological criteria include: Acreage — fields must have at least 20 acres of continuous grassland (fields over 50 acres have higher Bobolink abundances; fields over 75 acres may host Eastern Meadowlarks); field size is based on acres of grassland only. Farmers previously accepted with bids under 20 acres who had Bobolinks on their fields will still be considered. Vegetation Composition — approximately 75% grass and 25% forbs (e.g., birdsfoot trefoil and clover); reed canary grass monocultures and aggressive species (poison parsnip, yellow rattle, smooth bedstraw, spotted knapweed, buttercup) reduce nesting success. Surrounding Landscape — fields in open landscapes near other fields are preferred over those surrounded by forest or development; openness within a 2.5km radius increases the probability of use. Presence of Grassland Species — new fields should currently support Bobolinks, confirmed via eBird records, landowner confirmation, or referrals; if Bobolinks are absent for two consecutive years, a field becomes ineligible until habitat improves. Shape — square, circular, or ovular fields are preferred over long, narrow, or high-edge fields. Neighboring farmers whose individual parcels fall below the 20-acre minimum may submit a joint bid (each landowner is paid for their respective acreage). Preference is given to lower bids when habitat quality is comparable, and to former Bobolink Project fields that supported grassland birds in prior years.

Applicants will submit bids for the amount they wish to be paid to leave their fields fallow for Bobolink Habitat. For a full explanation of the bidding process, see this page.

The application period for the 2026 grant year closed on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Because selection criteria can vary slightly from year to year, interested farmers should contact The Bobolink Project at bobolinkproject@massaudubon.org for project updates. You will be notified once the criteria and application deadlines for 2027 are finalized. For background on how the bidding and selection process works, see the Application & Instructions page at https://www.bobolinkproject.com/application.php.

• Project History

• Farmer Information Page