Bicknell’s thrush, a species of small birds, is classified by the state as a “species of special concern”--it is not endangered, but its unusual breeding habitat is cause for attention.

Several years ago, the Adirondack ski resort Whiteface Mountain decided to expand its trail system, only to be disarmed by a stream of passionate letters asking that the bird’s welfare be considered. Bicknell’s thrush tends to return to the same mountain every year. Should the thrush be dislocated, it would run into other birds of its species, and possibly be injured.

Not only did the state-run ski resort decide to reconfigure their trails, but they signed an agreement with environmental groups to protect the bird’s habitat and fund conservation efforts on Hispaniola, the island where Bicknell’s thrush spends the winter.

The Olympic Regional Development Authority plans to build kiosks on Whiteface Mountain, where visitors can learn about the species. Hotels in the area have seen a recent spike in their number of guests due to birders.

In order to protect the birds, sites for the trails will be chosen carefully. Tree-cutting will be timed, so as to avoid the nesting cycle, which lasts from mid-May to early August. The population will be monitored during and after the building project. There are estimated to be about 20,000 to 40,000 birds there.

Source: Foderaro, Lisa W.. "An Adirondack Ski Resort Takes Steps to Accommodate an Elusive Little Bird ." The New York Times 24 Aug 2006