New Hampshire’s birds and bees form a surprisingly rich, distinctly local tapestry—one shaped by granite ridges, cold forests, and pollinator‑friendly meadows. The state’s mix of boreal and temperate habitats creates pockets of species you won’t find just anywhere, and together they form an ecosystem that’s both rugged and delicately interdependent.
Birds that Define New Hampshire’s Wild Identity
New Hampshire hosts a wide range of regularly occurring birds, from hardy year‑round residents to elusive specialists of the northern forests. The state’s bird directory includes species with unique behaviors, conservation stories, and seasonal rhythms.
- Bicknell’s Thrush — the White Mountains’ secretive songster
One of the rarest and most range‑restricted birds in North America, this thrush breeds almost exclusively in the high-elevation spruce‑fir forests of the Northeast. New Hampshire’s Presidential Range is one of its strongholds. Its presence signals the health of fragile mountaintop ecosystems. - Black‑backed Woodpecker — the burn‑forest specialist
This species thrives in recently burned conifer forests, using its specialized chisel-like bill to pry insects from charred bark. Its appearance often marks areas of natural disturbance and regeneration. - Canada Jay — the “whiskey jack” of the North Country
Known for caching food in tree crevices using sticky saliva, this bird is a master of winter survival. It’s a signature species of New Hampshire’s northern forests. - Black‑capped Chickadee — the iconic backyard companion
While common, it’s uniquely adapted to New England winters, lowering its body temperature at night to conserve energy. Its presence is a hallmark of New Hampshire’s year‑round bird life. - Purple Finch — New Hampshire’s official State bird
The Purple Finch is a vibrant and charming songbird commonly found in New Hampshire’s forests and woodlands. Known for its raspberry-red plumage in males and warm brown tones in females, this bird is a delightful sight at feeders and in natural habitats. Purple Finches feed on seeds, berries, and insects, and their cheerful, warbling song adds a melodic backdrop to New Hampshire’s spring and summer days.
These species illustrate how the state’s varied landscapes—from coastal marshes to alpine ridges—support birds with highly specialized ecological roles.
Bees that Make New Hampshire’s Ecosystems Thrive
New Hampshire’s bee diversity is astonishing: over 350 species live in New England, and the White Mountain National Forest alone hosts nearly 140 native species, including several in decline.
Key groups that stand out in the Granite State
- Bumblebees (Bombus)
Large, fuzzy, and essential for pollinating tomatoes, berries, and wildflowers. Ten species occur in the state, including two native species now declining. Their ability to “buzz pollinate” makes them indispensable. - Mason Bees (Osmia)
Metallic blue or green, these solitary bees nest in hollow stems or wood tunnels. About 20 species live in New Hampshire, emerging early in spring when few other pollinators are active. - Leafcutter Bees
Known for cutting perfect circles from leaves to line their nests, these bees are gentle, efficient pollinators with around 30 species in the state. - Carpenter Bees
Often misunderstood, these bees bore into wood but play a crucial role in pollinating tomatoes, berries, and native plants. They’re generally harmless to humans and can be deterred without extermination.
Together, these bees support more than 100 crops grown in the U.S. and maintain the health of New Hampshire’s forests, meadows, and backyard gardens.
Where Birds and Bees Intersect in New Hampshire
The state’s ecosystems rely on the interplay between avian and pollinator life:
- High‑elevation forests host rare birds like Bicknell’s Thrush while supporting early‑blooming alpine plants pollinated by hardy native bees.
- Meadows and old fields provide nectar corridors for bumblebees and hunting grounds for swallows, kestrels, and flycatchers.
- Backyard habitats—bird feeders, native plant gardens, and bee hotels—create micro‑sanctuaries that support both groups year‑round.
This overlap makes New Hampshire a living laboratory for conservation: protecting one group often benefits the other.
How Residents Can Support These Species
- Plant native flowers such as coneflowers and sunflowers to support solitary bees. (the Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a native, hardy, tall species (3–8 ft) that blooms with yellow flowers in late summer. It thrives in moist, sunny areas and supports native pollinators.)
- Leave some natural debris—fallen logs, stems, and leaf litter—for nesting bees and foraging birds.
- Participate in local bird counts or pollinator surveys to help track species health.
- Avoid pesticides that harm both bees and insect‑eating birds.
Species Awareness is Imperative
New Hampshire Audubon states that “roughly 190 species of birds breed in New Hampshire. Of these, roughly 80 are decreasing, 60 increasing, and 30 show stable populations (we lack data for another 20).”
Wild Bee Species in Crisis: A 2019 UNH study found 14 native wild bee species—including leafcutter and mining bees—are on the decline in New England, with some dropping by up to 90%. These bees are vital for pollinating local crops like apples and blueberries.
Bumblebee Collapse: A long-term study revealed three major NH bumblebee species (Bombus affinis, B. fervidus, B. terricola) have drastically declined over the last 150 years. Bombus affinis (rusty patched bumblebee) is considered likely extinct in NH, not having been collected since 1993.
New Hampshire Women Leading Conservation Efforts
It is only fitting that during Women’s History Month, that I mention some living women conservationists who are making history today by restoring ecosystems, protecting threatened species, and reshaping environmental leadership with a level of courage, expertise, and community‑centered action that is transforming conservation for future generations.
Frannie Greenberg — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Windham, NH. Of Milestone Wildlife, she is widely recognized for her tireless work rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife (small mammals). She is known for helping both animals and community members, continuing her work even while undergoing cancer treatment. Her dedication has made her a celebrated figure in New Hampshire’s conservation community.
Milena Whitney — Pollinator Conservation Advocate, Bedford, NH.
A young but already influential conservationist, Milena Whitney earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her Bedford Bee Project, which educates the public about declining bee populations and promotes pollinator‑friendly planting. She planted clover and wildflowers, created educational materials for families, and used local media to spread awareness.
What makes her notable:
• Focuses on native New Hampshire bee species
• Combats misinformation about bees
• Encourages accessible, small‑scale pollinator gardening for all residents
Staff and Board of New Hampshire Audubon, including but not limited to:
- Carol Foss & Pamela Hunt: Frequently cited, contributors to technical, regional conservation reports (e.g., Rusty Blackbirds, wind energy impacts, and whip-poor-will research).
- Grace McCulloch (Community Science Project Leader): Active researcher on the vulnerable Saltmarsh Sparrow, with studies focusing on nesting locations and population threats.
- Diane De Luca (Senior Biologist): Involved in various conservation projects, including habitat assessment and bird monitoring.
Barbara Richter — Executive Director, NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC). She leads the statewide organization supporting 217 conservation commissions and more than 1,500 volunteers, providing training, coordination, and environmental planning guidance.
Tara Chynoweth — Former Member, Manchester Conservation Commission. An environmental health & safety consultant, she has served on the Manchester Conservation Commission and continues to work in statewide leadership roles.
Heidi Holman — Wildlife Biologist, NH Fish & Game. An experienced wildlife biologist known for collaborative conservation work across government and nonprofit sectors.
Kathleen Wadiak — Wildlife Damage Biologist, NH Fish & Game
Her fieldwork includes tracking rare turtles and snakes, monitoring New England cottontails, and managing human–wildlife conflict statewide.
Sandi Houghton — Wildlife Diversity Biologist, NH Fish & Game
Part of the “Taking Action for Wildlife” team, she works on biodiversity protection and community conservation planning.
Haley Andreozzi — Wildlife Conservation State Specialist, UNH Extension
Supports communities in wildlife habitat management and conservation planning.
Sara Callaghan — Community Conservation State Specialist, UNH Extension. Works with towns on conservation planning, habitat protection, and land stewardship.
Emma Tutein — Community Conservation State Specialist, UNH Extension. Focuses on land conservation, natural resource inventories, and community engagement.
Wendy Scribner — Forestry Field Specialist, UNH Extension
Supports forest stewardship and habitat management across the state.
Catherine Coverdale — Pollinator Conservation & IPM Specialist, Xerces Society (UNH alum working in NH). Designs pollinator habitat, works with farmers on integrated pest management, and leads community‑based pollinator conservation.
Maria Colby — Wings of the Dawn, Henniker. Rehabilitates all birds, small mammals, and common turtles.
Dr. Carol Macomber — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Windham. Treats small mammals and all birds.
Susan Smith — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Bennington. Specializes in small mammals.
Joyce Bemis — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Keene. Focuses on small mammals.
Michele Simiele — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Derry. Works with small mammals.
Debra Gode — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Winchester. Rehabilitates small mammals and birds.
Kim Johnsen — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Carroll. Handles small mammals and common reptiles.
Aimee Brown — Wildlife Rehabilitator, Langdon. Specializes in small mammals.
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Not Just the Birds and the Bees
New Hampshire’s women conservationists are not just tending bees, mending wings, and restoring habitats — they are quietly shaping the next chapter of our environmental history. In their hands, the state’s wild places become classrooms, sanctuaries, and promises kept for future generations. Their work echoes the legacy of the Granite State’s earliest naturalists, yet it is unmistakably modern: collaborative, community‑rooted, and fiercely hopeful. By honoring the land and the creatures that depend on it, these women are writing a living history of care, resilience, and stewardship that will outlast us all.
If you know of a woman who should be included in the list above, please leave a comment so that they may be added.
