Introduction
The Bicknell’s thrush (Catharus bicknelli) is locally common to uncommon in BCR 14. It requires high-elevation stunted spruce-fir forests for nesting and cover. It has also been reported in low-elevation coastal softwood areas, particularly in maritime Canada. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14. Its population may or may not be declining; however, since its habitat availability is limited and fragile, it is a species of concern.
Habitat Needs
This bird nests primarily in dense, stunted spruce-fir, including the krummholz zone, found typically near high-elevation treeline.
Its territory size ranges from 2 to 5 acres.
Habitat Management Practices
Preserve as much of the high-elevation spruce-fir in its existing condition as possible by keeping human disturbance to a minimum.
Soil series include Berkshire variant, Glebe, Hermon variant, Monadnock variant, Ricker, Saddleback, Sisk, Stratton, Surplus. These soils are classified as Important Forest Soils Group IIA.
Silvicultural Practices
In general, avoid cutting above 3,000 feet. If cutting is deemed necessary, follow these guidelines:
- Maintain or increase the softwood component.
- Maintain a structure that contains at least 60 percent of the harvest area in trees with diameters of 4 inches or more.
- Leave 10 percent of the area uncut.
- Allow no more than 30 percent of the cut area to be in a size class of less than 4 inches.
- Extend rotation ages by 30 percent or more with corresponding extended entry times.
- Operate to minimize erosion control such as on frozen ground.
- Use current methods to minimize soil compaction as well as erosion.
See the High-Elevation chapter 7.6 (pages 167-169) in Good Forestry in the Granite State for additional information.