There's a Bluebird on my Shoulder....

Have you ever seen a bluebird?? Not a blue-JAY, but a blueBIRD?? This cute, little, vibrantly blue, robin-ish looking bird? (picture to the left: Western Bluebird) No...? Well me neither... and that's a shame. Unfortunately, they just aren't around much anymore. They've been pushed out of the Puget Sound by invasive species and human encroachment on their habitat.

But, hopefully that's all about to change with the help of the Puget Sound Bluebird Recovery Project.

These people are new to the block - the newest volunteer based, environmental, non-profit organization on the peninsula, created within just the past few months. As far as I can tell, they are in cahoots with the North American Bluebird Society, which gives them some backbone. Their mission: to entice the bluebird back to the peninsula! And once they're here, monitor and, to some extent, maintain their population (with food, nestboxes, etc). I found out about the PSBRP through a presentation given at a recent Clear Creek Task Force meeting - they don't yet have an website, but if your interested in helping out or joining, let me know and I'll get you some contact information.

The PSBRP had their first community involved work party this past weekend - and Chad and I were lucky enough to attend. The goal - to build 20 bird houses - built to bluebird specifics - to later be dispersed throughout some local, open grasslands. You may be asking... what makes a bluebird house special? Well... not much... except for the size of the hole in the front - it needs to be small enough to prevent the European Starling to enter, while big enough to deter House Sparrows (these two introduced species compete, aggressively, for living space with the bluebird).

Let me just tell you - we had a blast! We arrived to a lively group of people, who were gathered around a whole bunch of pre-cut, cedar, birdbox pieces, all talking and drinking coffee. After introductions were made, we had a brief lesson on birdbox assembly and were put to work! It took 15 people, taking turns, 2 hours to complete all 20 boxes. After all our hard work, we were graciously rewarded with some delicious hotdogs and a tour of the property we were working on (which we had to miss unfortunately).

 Our lesson.

Each box is equipped with a hinged door on the left side. This door can be used to later check on the residents or to clean them out after a use. Here I am attaching the handles.

The next step - to strategically hang the boxes around in the bluebirds natural habitat. Hopefully I can be a part of that process too! I'll keep you updated!