All About Bluebirds

Fred Comstock, a local author and naturalist, will be at the C.H. Booth Library on Sunday, February 27 at 2 PM to give a talk and slide show on bluebirds.

Bluebirds were once very common in the United States but at the turn of the century desirable nesting sites began to decline. “Rat” birds like English sparrows and starlings were introduced to North America and these birds competed for nesting sites with bluebirds, often killing them. Other sites were eliminated by urban growth. Dead tree cavities, an appropriate nesting place for bluebirds, were cleared to make way for new developments.

The number of bluebirds is currently on the rise due in large part to bluebird recovery programs around the country. Special nesting boxes, the discouraging of natural predators, and the weekly monitoring of the families in the houses, have played a significant role in the recovery process.

Mr Comstock has banded well over 6,000 bluebirds and has also written a book, Bluebirds: The How To Book. Every Spring he visits local libraries and schools giving lectures on what can be done to assist in the recovery of these beautiful birds.

In addition to the lecture and slide show, Mr Comstock will have bluebird kits and his book available for purchase. The nesting boxes, which are specifically designed for bluebirds, are a great project for families to do together.