Sermon on the Mountain Bird

The Bicknell’s Thrush is one of the rarest songbirds in North America. During the breeding season, they are found exclusively on mountains, where they nest in dense tangles of forest. Here in Maine, they can be found in the White Mountains and on Mount Katahdin. They’re a sought after species for birders because of their rarity and a topic of study for biologists due to their risk for extinction.

There’s much we still don’t know about this secretive species. But, with time, effort, and modern technology, we’re learning more and more about their behavior, population trends, and what we can do to protect them and their habitat. James Longo is a PhD student researching this species’ conservation. He will share what we know about Bicknell’s Thrush, what we’re learning, and what you can do to help.

James Longo is a PhD student at the University of Maine. He works in Dr. Amber Roth’s lab, where he researches Bicknell’s Thrush conservation. He is also a board member for Downeast Audubon, Founder/Coordinator of the Hancock County Young Birders Club, and guide for the Acadia Birding Festival. He grew up in upstate New York and received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.