Bluebird Box Monitoring
Bluebird box monitors provide weekly monitoring of our 83 nest boxes within White Clay Creek State Park. The nesting season begins in late March with spring cleaning and removal of old nests from the boxes, and lasts until September. Each volunteer is assigned responsibility for a trail of about six boxes. It normally takes about an hour to walk the beautiful trails, check the boxes and record nesting activity. Volunteers can monitor the boxes themselves or share them with family or friends. Training is provided.
It is very important that bluebird nest boxes be actively monitored (checked) at least once a week. Doing so increases the chances of success for bluebirds using the box, and also the data collected is valuable for determining population trends. Being aware of what species is using the box is also beneficial. We report all species using our nest boxes, not just bluebirds. Species such as bluebirds, tree swallows, house wrens, and chickadees are all native and beneficial birds.
We are very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers for everything from box construction, installation, maintenance and repair to weekly monitoring. Some projects in addition to box monitoring include construction and installation of cylindrical predator guards designed to keep out the raccoons and snakes which can be an ongoing problem. In addition, nest boxes that are unproductive are moved to more desirable locations to increase the likelihood of future bluebird nesting.
Want a great way to way to enjoy nature, watch Bluebirds, and volunteer at the same time? Sign up to monitor Bluebird boxes at White Clay Creek State Park by contacting Debra Chiczewski Price at dprice@ppg.com.
Bluebird eggs Bluebird with hatchlings Hatchlings 8 days old
Box with nest