In the early 1900’s, The Eastern Bluebird was one of rural Ohio’s most common songbirds. Then, because of a series of imprudent activities on the part of humans, & several severe winters, Bluebird population declined by 90%.
HOWEVER, THESE PROBLEMS ARE BEING ADDRESSED & NOW THE BLUEBIRD IS MAKING A COMEBACK DUE LARGELY TO CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
However, the continuing loss of natural nesting sites to house sparrows & European starlings means this beloved & charismatic bird will always need man’s help to survive.
YOU CAN BE A PART OF THAT EFFORT.
THIS BLUEBIRD HOUSE WAS PLACED ON A POWER POLE IN MAGEE PARK IN THE BELLBROOK & SUGARCREEK PARK DISTRICT & FLEDGED FIVE BABIES IN 2003 & 2004.
THIS BLUEBIRD BOX ON GRAF MILL ROAD NEAR THE CANOE LAUNCH ON THE LITTLE MIAMI RIVER ATTACHED TO THE OLD SHELTER HOUSE THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED PRODUCED TWO FAMILIES OF BLUEBIRDS IN 2003, THE BOX HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE STUMP OF THE BIG OLD SYCAMORE TREE IN 2004 & THE BLUEBIRDS FLEDGED FIVE BLUEBIRDS.
BLUEBIRD BOX ON THE BIG OLD SYCAMORE TREE STUMP IN 2004 & AS YOU CAN SEE, WE HAD A VERY WET SPRING THAT YEAR.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Increase nesting sites by erecting a proper nest box or creating a Bluetbird Trail of many nest boxes.
2. Monitoring your nest boxes to identify & correct nesting problems to improve the Bluebirds chance of survival.
3. Keep records on your nest boxes & send the information to THE OHIO BLUEBIRD SOCIETY to help it’s research programs.
4. Plant berry-producing plants & provide Bluebird foods at your feeders.
5. Tell your friends about the Bluebird’s plight & encourage them to help.
6. Join The Ohio Bluebird Society & donate your time & money to help insure the Bluebird’s future.
REASONS FOR DECLINE:
In the 1800’s Americans brought the European starling & house (English) sparrow to this country from Europe, upsetting the ecological balance of our avian communities. These non-native birds, highly adaptable & very agressive, rapidly spread across the continent taking over available natural nesting cavities. House sparrows often kill native birds in order to acquire a nesting cavity.
Many other sites were lost when wooden fence post were replaced with medal ones & dead trees were cut to make wooded areas more attractive.
Likewise, many small farms have been combined creating huge fields & destroying the mixed habitat needed by Bluebirds. Urban sprawl into rural areas furhter eliminates many acres of ideal Bluebird habitat.
Finally, the widespread use of insecticides eliminates insects that Bluebirds fed on & rarely have killed the birds themselves. Birds must eat constantly during the day in order to survive cold winter nights & the winter food supply has also been greatly reduced by developement & by the huge winter flocks of the starlings that strip the fruit from the trees.
2007 was one of the worst years ever for The Eastern Bluebird & many experts estimate 80% of the breeding stock may have been wiped out due to harsh weather conditions.
Mother nature is sometimes very cruel but you can help.
We need all the boxes & trails possible to help them regroup & multiply once again.
ADVICE FOR NEW OR INEXPERIENCED BLUEBIRDERS
