BLUEBIRD RECOVERY PROGRAM

Our highly successful Western Bluebird Program started operating in our OHCC’s golf course on May 8 th, 2009. We are proud to state that our 14-Bluebird box trail has fledged so many Bluebirds, who hopefully will return to nest in our community bringing all of us color and joy. Jane Shriver currently coordinates the program. For further information or to volunteer as a monitor, please call her. Training for 2020 will begin in February .

Jane Shriver

Those of us who are monitors feel that being participants in the Bluebird Recovery Program is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities we have ever done. Our monitors are helping to eliminate the extinction of one of the most beautiful birds in the world. We are proud to state that since the beginning of the program in 2009 through 2018, our 14-box Golf Course trail has fledged 392 young Bluebirds, who hopefully will return to nest in our community bringing all of us color and joy.

Why is this program necessary? California’s urban growth has displaced these beautiful Bluebirds, who being cavity dwellers, are in danger of not finding nesting places. To stop this generation loss, the California Bluebird Recovery Program has been establishing many trails in golf courses, parks, cemeteries, etc. All trails are monitored by trained volunteers. Our annual results are entered into their state-wide Bluebird fledgling’s totals. Time for us to applaud our current very dedicated Birdwatchers’ Bluebird Monitors:

OUR BLUEBIRD MONITORS

Jane Johnson

Martha & Bill Saltzman

Sandy Harvey

Callie Dean

Photo by Mike Baldwin

We also must applaud the Golf Course Committee for permitting us to use the Golf Course, and the Woodchucks for building our Bluebird boxes. They all have worked towards making this goal a reality.

Andy is showing the use of a special pole with basket to raise a Bluebird box into a tree.

Andy established the Bluebird program and also started the Birdwatchers Club in which he remained as Club President for 15 years until retiring from the position.

Click here to watch a video of birds nesting in cavities.

This video shows the importance of tree cavities to a variety of birds.

Andrew Truban