EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in Heart of Ohio Magazine in 2014. It is being republished through a cooperative agreement with Richland Source. To read more stories on Heart of Ohio Magazine log on at www.heartofohiomagazine.com.
Eastern Bluebirds are one of Ohio’s most prized birds. If you have ever had the opportunity to see one in your yard or a nearby park, you might want to credit the efforts of the Ohio Bluebird Society (OBS). This organization has been helping bluebirds for more than 25 years and has been instrumental in saving this beautiful, native species from the brink of extinction.
The problems for Eastern Bluebirds started in the 1960s-70s and were related to the steady influx of house sparrows and European starlings that had taken over many of the nesting sites of Ohio’s bluebirds. These aggressive, invasive species commandeered the nest sites of bluebirds, and the more timid bluebirds were not able to effectively reproduce and sustain their population.
Their situation was worsened through the increased use of harmful, man-made pesticides which successfully reduced their primary food supply, insects. The combination of fewer nesting sites and a diminished food supply placed the Eastern Bluebird in peril. They needed help in order to survive.
In response to the problems facing bluebirds, the Ohio Bluebird Society was formed in 1987 as part of a concerted, nationwide effort to help bluebirds. Volunteer members began erecting special nest boxes and monitored those boxes to ensure that the eggs would hatch and young bluebirds would successfully fledge.
Their initial efforts were successful, and the bluebird population began to inch upwards. As years went by, more citizens joined the OBS and additional man-made nest boxes were erected throughout Ohio. Dedicated OBS members were labeled as “citizen scientists” because they worked hand-in-hand with professional naturalists, gathering important data and helping the bluebird population thrive.
Today the Ohio Bluebird Society is comprised of more than 450 volunteers dedicated to conserving and creating habitat for the eastern bluebird as well as Ohio’s other cavity nesting birds (birds that lay eggs in tree cavities or nest boxes).
The primary responsibility of OBS members continues to be the erecting and monitoring of bluebird nest boxes. Many have been assisting bluebirds since the inception of the OBS. Helping bluebirds continues to be their passion, and members spend valuable summer hours to help this species. Their collective efforts have paid dividends. In 2013, the OBS members helped more than 15,674 native birds fledge from their boxes with 40 percent being the precious Eastern Bluebird.
OBS members monitoring nest boxes have witnessed the hatching and growth of countless bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds lay about five eggs in each nest and they may have two or three nests in each breeding season. Thus, a well-placed bluebird box with a dedicated box monitor may yield 10 to 15 birds each summer. Simple mathematics illustrates the tangible benefits of an enduring nest box and corresponding volunteer.
Many OBS members build their own nest boxes, and lumber may be obtained through donations or purchased outright by members. Some individuals have built thousands of boxes from scrap wood salvaged from construction sites, recycling it for an important cause while keeping it out of landfills. Mounting posts and hardware are obtained in the same manner and volunteers are very creative in their ability to obtain materials at minimal cost.
Building and installing bluebird boxes is only the beginning of the work, as OBS members also monitor the boxes. Beginning in late spring OBS members visit their bluebird trail (a series of boxes located in relative proximity). They clean and disinfect the vacant boxes (removing nesting material from the previous year or other debris deposited by wintering mice) and prepare for the upcoming nesting season.
Members continue their vigilant monitoring, visiting the boxes once or twice a week from April through mid- August, noting when eggs were laid, quantity of eggs, hatch dates and fledge dates. All of the data is consolidated to help Ohio’s professionals understand the population trends of the Eastern Bluebird.
Should the nest become infested with the larvae of harmful parasites, nest box monitors clean the nest or replace it with a new, hand-made nest so the recently hatched chicks can develop in a healthy, comfortable environment. Each box requires about 10 minutes of work per visit, and many bluebird trails contain 25 or more boxes. Throw in the travel time and the commitment for OBS members may exceed more than 200 hours each summer. Clearly the volunteers perform a labor of love!
Eastern Bluebirds are now doing quite well in Ohio, as the efforts of the OBS and other nature organizations have helped. However, there are other cavity nesting species that need similar help.
The OBS, in conjunction with professional naturalists, are leading the charge to help American kestrels, barn owls and other species that have experienced decreases in population. The work is never done, and the need for additional “citizen scientists” remains.
The Ohio Bluebird Society is also focused on education and holds an annual educational conference on the OSU campus in Wooster on the last Saturday in February. Although the agenda centers on bluebirds, several other related topics are usually discussed, as the OBS wants to appeal to everyone that has an interest in nature.
If you enjoy birds, you probably want to know more about butterflies, bees, mammals or plants, and the OBS tries to oblige with a broad array of topics. There is a nominal fee to attend the educational conference, and the public is encouraged to attend.
If you want to know more about the OBS or would like to monitor a bluebird box, please visit the OBS website www.ohiobluebirdsociety.org for more information. The OBS may be contacted via phone (330-466-6926) or through email at info@ohiobluebirdsociety.org.
New members are welcomed and donations are always appreciated. The OBS looks forward to hearing from you and would be thrilled to answer all inquiries.
