In recent decades, concerns for declining populations of young forest birds have sparked much research and management to help conserve these species. Young forest birds are unique in that they require early stages of forest succession which normally result from natural disturbances or human intervention. On contemporary landscapes, active management to create and maintain areas of young forest is increasingly necessary to conserve young forest birds. For example, strategic forest clearcutting is an effective way to create young forest vegetation types for species like Eastern towhee, blue-winged warbler, and American woodcock. This practice, along with other forest management strategies, has been used within regional Young Forest Initiatives to provide important acreage of young forest vegetation for this suite of declining species. During this presentation, Dr. Roger J. Masse will discuss aspects of the ecology and management of young forest birds. Resources where additional information can be found will also be highlighted so that landowners, birdwatchers, and other nature enthusiasts can better understand the need for active management of these species and their habitat.

Dr. Masse currently works as an associate professor of wildlife management at SUNY Cobleskill. He is particularly interested in bird ecology and management with an emphasis on American woodcock and other young forest birds. He is also a birdwatcher and nature enthusiast. Dr. Masse earned a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from University of Vermont; a Master of Science in natural resources from Delaware State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in environmental science from University of Rhode Island. His interest in birds started during sophomore year of undergraduate studies. He now enjoys sharing that interest and experience with his students at SUNY Cobleskill and his 6- and 4-year-old sons at home.