We have seen some early activity with our Bluebirds this year. Monitors have already called in active nest sites. It’s the end of February and this year’s excitement is just beginning.
A nest monitor is a person who has volunteered their time to follow the early life cycle of a new Bluebird. In our community we have common areas where we have placed our nest boxes in strategic locations. They are near trees and other landscapes that provide easy observance and security for the bird parent and the nesting chick. A trail is a group of nest boxes. We have 23 active trails in various common areas of our community. Some trails have only 5 nesting spots and others could be as large as 10. Our 3 golf courses will house 18 nest boxes at each location. In total we have 195 total boxes monitored.
Before a new season starts the monitor will make a thorough check of their nest boxes. They will be cleaned, and repairs made as necessary.
This volunteer work is very rewarding and provides great satisfaction to the monitor.
The monitor will ensure the cleanliness of the home and ensure the security with adding a baffle to keep predators away. The monitor will periodically check the box and record activity. A nest is prepared, an egg is laid, then hatched, finally the bird will fledge, and a new cycle will begin. It is interesting that sometimes an unusual inhabitant will appear. We have flying squirrels and bats that like the nest box home environment. We normally allow them to also grow and fledge.
If you are interested in observing this wonderful transition from egg to fledgling of our beautiful Bluebirds and want to volunteer as a monitor please contact:
Tom Lovelidge – Tomlovelidge@twc.com
908-268-8150 Cell
843-715-2055 Land
Bluebirds Randy Grundleger