A bluebird trail is simply a series of nest boxes set-up throughout a property. Nest boxes provide a structure for cavity-nesting birds to nest and raise their young. The nest boxes replicate a woodpecker hole and cavity in a tree. One of the most well-known bird species that is a cavity nester is the Eastern Bluebird. Not just a beautiful bird, they are also a beneficial predator of pests that harm home gardens and farms.
One of UMLY's resident bluebirds.
Photo by Brian Raicich.
Bluebirds declined in great numbers in 1960's, raising fear they may go extinct. The population loss was largely due to the loss of habitat and nesting cavities. As farming declined, agriculture fields either reverted to forests or became housing developments. The open land that the Bluebirds prefer was disappearing. And while some housing developments still provided enough open lawn or meadow, homeowners had "dead" trees removed for safety reasons, limiting the number of trees with potential cavity space available. The Bluebirds were also being kicked out of the shrinking number of homes available to them. House Sparrows, introduced from Europe in the late 1800's, are an aggressive species that will drive Bluebirds from nest cavities and, in some cases, outright kill a female Bluebird with eggs or nestlings.
By installing a nest box, or series of nest boxes, within Bluebird habitat will increase the chances of the bird to successfully raise young and increase their population. Nest boxes took hold in the 1970's and have helped Bluebirds to rebound to strong numbers today.
Bluebird at nest box.
Photo by Fred Deitrich via Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Nine nest boxes comprise the Bluebird Trail at UMLY. They were constructed and installed beginning last August, by the summer Leadership-In-Training Camp and YESC. The last two nest boxes were installed today by our group, who braved snow and sleet to dig through very rocky soil. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows will hopefully begin nesting within the month. A few other native species may like the new homes, such as Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and White-breasted Nuthatches.
The nesting season for Bluebirds begins in March and sometimes extends into August. YESC and the Nature Center staff will carefully monitor the nest boxes twice a week, gathering data on which boxes hold a nest and if there are eggs or young. More importantly, the nest boxes will be monitored and managed to keep the invasive House Sparrows from moving in.
We will keep everyone updated on the success of the nest boxes through our Facebook page. If you are interested in setting up nest boxes in your own yard, here is a great site to get you started: www.sialis.org/startingatrail.htm
