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Bobolink – master of uncertainty for farmers and developers

March 28, 2013   ·   0 Comments

For ‘Star Wars’ fans the voice of a Bobolink songbird resembles R2–D2, but for developers and farmers it brings to mind their unforeseeable future. The Bobolink is a medium-sized bird, sporting a black, yellow, and white colour combination, similar to a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. The Bobolinks population has dropped 700,000 since the late 1990’s, becoming one of Ontario’s 56 threatened species. The drop in population has been caused by the loss of habitat, due to land development and farming. The Bobolinks threatened status has caused tension between the government of Ontario, and owners of land that the Bobolink calls home.

The Endangered Species Act was created in 2007, as an effort to protect threatened species. President of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, Leith Moore, believes the Bobolink has caused problems of development across Ontario. The number of Bobolinks returning to Ontario throughout the month of March is expected to be lower than last year, but it still has an affect on the agricultural community. One of Moore’s development projects in New Tecumseth has been postponed due to the Bobolink. A government assessment has declared the development will have a negative impact on the bird’s habitat. The Bobolink hasn’t just affected the future of developers, but farmers as well.

Farmers across Ontario have started to remove crops that are known to attract the Bobolink. A local farmer in Bond Head has been instructed not to grow specific crops by developers he rents his land from. Bobolinks are known to live within wheat, and alfalfa crop fields. The Bobolink has forced many farmers to lose money, due to its association with wheat. Certain farmers have opted to grow corn, and other crops during seasons where wheat is a hot commodity. The Ontario Bobolink Round Table Advisory Group, is currently working on an amendment that will benefit developers, farmers, and the future of the Bobolink.

By Michael Tomasone

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