Bluebirds, On The Road To Recovery

Bluebirds, On The Road To Recovery. . Where did they go? , Bluebirds were once common throughout the United States. However, over the last century their population has diminished due to loss of their natural habitat, overuse of pesticides and predators., Compounding the problem is competition from two non-native species, the House Sparrow and European Starling. These invasive species tend to be very aggressive and drive the Bluebird from its preferred nesting locations., Beneficial Bluebirds , Bluebirds are small native birds that eat insects that are often damaging to our crops and gardens. Males are bright blue on the back with a rusty colored breast. Females are less brightly colored. They can nest up to three times per year, laying 4-5 eggs in a clutch., Bluebird Trails, Blazing the Road to Recovery , Since much of their natural habitat has been destroyed by humans, Bluebirds must depend on manmade nests for survival. Bluebird nesting boxes are readily adopted by Bluebirds. Many Bluebird boxes have been adapted along trails. The success of these boxes has helped to bring the Bluebird back to our field, forests and even suburban lawns., This exhibit was developed as an Eagle Scout Project by Stephen Roche, Troop 62 of Flemington, Central Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America