Bluebird Recovery Program Results for 2008
The annual Bluebird Recovery Program results for Thunder Bay for 2008 indicate 71 Eastern Bluebirds and 120+ Tree Swallows fledged for an average year.A new nest box trail was established at Mission Marsh Conservation Area. This project was sponsored by Lakehead Region Conservation Authority as part of their Community Stewardship program; the monitoring is to be under the auspices of the Bluebird Recovery Program. The area around Mission Marsh is primarily grassy with some shrubs and trees with very little mowed grass so does not make favourable habitat for bluebirds. As the area is surrounded on two sides by water, Tree Swallows have responded immediately to the newly available nesting sites. Ten nest boxes were made in a Peterson-like design without air entry at the top of the door and without ventilation holes on the sides; they were constructed by Westgate High School who chose to alter the original design. Compensation for the lack of ventilation was attempted by drilling vent holes in the upper sides below the roof overhang.
Jeff Stephenson of the Bluebird Recovery Program assumed responsibility for monitoring the boxes and reposts that three nest boxes successfully fledgeg young Tree Swallows. It was a pleasure to work with the LRCA on this project.
The Bluebird Recovery Program is always looking for support in the mounting and monitorin of the nest boxes and encourages the public to participate. Instruction will be supplied
Golf courses have proven to be successful habitat for attracting bluebirds. Both the Fort William Country Club bluebird trail, monitored by Lynn McLure, and the Whitewater Golf Club bluebird trail, monitored by Susan Robinson, each produced 24 bluebird fledglings in 2008. Our goal, with increased public participation, is to increase the number of trails on local golf greens.
The Spring Bluebird Recovery Program Pot Luck Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 26, at the home of Jean Lister at 160 Blanchard St. (344-3815). New participants are welcome. The goal of the occasion is to share information on how to make trail monitoring more successful and how to reduce predation of next boxes.
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