WHERE HAPPY LITTLE BLUEBIRDS FLY...
submitted by Tina Dolan
Did you know Lindley Park has a Bluebird trail? It contains seven boxes, as far as I know. It is believed that the trail started in the 1970’s when the bluebirds were becoming extinct. If anyone knows when this trail started please share your knowledge. If you spot additional bluebird houses, please let me know so I can add them to the official trail.
I have begun the monitoring and maintenance of these houses. Each box has been numbered and you can follow the map to see each box. Please follow these guidelines while visiting the boxes.
1. Do not stand in front of the box in case the parents want to fly in or out. Please, keep a safe distance.
2. Do not visit in morning. Eggs are laid in mornings, if you spook them the eggs will not be laid.
3. Do not visit in late evenings. If they get spooked the eggs will lay unattended and will get cold and die.
4. Bring binoculars to see up close. I may hold a guided trail later, when the houses are more populated and established. That way you can safely see inside to see the eggs and fledglings.
Fun Facts:
• Since bluebird babies eat every 20 minutes, it is a full-time job for both parents.
•Bluebirds prefer to eat insects. In winter, however, berries are the main source of food.
•There are three spices of bluebird: Eastern, Western and Mountain.
•The north American Bluebird Society was begun in 1978. Its mission is to encourage people to help save the bluebird population by putting up bluebird houses.
•Bluebirds belong to the thrush family just as Robins do. In fact, they were once called “Blue Robins.”
• For more information, visit www.nabluebirdsociety.org
Fun Fact Source: Bluebird Rescue by Joan Rattner Heilman, Camden House Publishing, 1992
Predators:
Bluebirds are threatened by snakes, cats, raccoons, and other species of birds that were introduced from Europe. The European starlings and house sparrows are competitors for bluebird nesting sites. The entrance hole is the exact size to keep out these species. We will be adding predator deterrents such as, pole guards and entrance hole guards to keep cats, raccoons and snakes from reaching the eggs and fledglings.
According to The North American Bluebird Society, “House Sparrows are not native to North America. They were first introduced from England beginning in the 1850s, on the mistaken premise that they would help reduce insect pests. At first, the new immigrants welcomed this little bird of their homeland. They quickly realized the seriousness of their mistake. The House Sparrow population increased at an explosive and alarming rate, and the birds caused extensive damage to crops and fruit trees. They also took over the nesting sites of native cavity-nesting birds.” These sparrows can take over the bluebird boxes.
In the future:
The Lindley Park Bluebird Trail will be redone as funds are acquired. A bluebird club may be set up to maintain and monitor. Each house may, at some time, and with training, be adopted by a family or person. Building new houses and food sources as well as predator guards will be set up. As of now, and to my knowledge, I am doing this alone. If you are interested in joining me, contact me at . Or drop by my house on the hill.
PHOTOS:
•fledglings in box #1
•eggs in Box #3
•box #6
•map of boxes marked with Blue Asterisk. ... See MoreSee Less
Photo