Working Lands

A Record-Setting Habitat for Warblers

Western NC Couple Manage Their Land for Golden-winged Warblers

The Golden-winged Warbler has suffered one of the steepest population declines of any songbird species in the past 45 years and is currently being considered for listing as an endangered species. Audubon North Carolina staff are working directly with private landowners in Western NC to restore the specialized habitat where Golden-winged Warblers return to breed each summer.

“We love to be out in nature, it is very energizing. Aimee and the Audubon Society have added elements that make our experience even more exciting and informative. It has been a real pleasure following the Golden-winged Warbler habitat with Aimee!” – Margaret Hartman

Mark and Margaret Hartman, Ashe County, NC Photo: Aimee Tomcho

“After visiting Mark and Margaret, I felt sure their land would be perfect to host at least one pair if not many more breeding pairs. We were ecstatic when we heard TWO males singing, both new records for the area. Both birds buzzed over our heads – the Hartmans’ first GWWA sightings (a “lifer” as we say)! Margaret had already studied their song and could easily identify it before I left. They are both very dedicated to preserving the biodiversity on their land and I look forward to sharing a small part of this journey with them.” – Aimee Tomcho, Conservation Biologist

Through our Putting Working Lands to Work for Birds and People program, Audubon North Carolina is engaging private landowners in focal areas in the western region to manage their land for the Golden-winged Warbler and other forest bird species while maintaining the long-term future uses.

Landowners who qualify receive special signs that signify their efforts to manage their land for forest birds including the Golden-winged Warbler.

Click here to learn more about Golden-winged Warblers and our work to restore habitats where they nest through the Working Lands initiative. 

How you can help, right now