Western Bluebird, Male, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

Wonderful Success Story | Jan 2016

Wonderful Success Story


Western Bluebird, Male, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post wonderful success story

Western Bluebird, Male


Here’s a wonderful success story about the Western Bluebird.

About 30 years ago few Western Bluebirds could be seen in Southern California. This was the result of urban development that had removed the old trees these birds depend upon for nest cavities.

In 2007, four bird enthusiasts formed the Southern California Bluebird Club (SCBC). The main goal of the SCBC was to expand interest in Western Bluebirds as well as to build, install and monitor nestboxes. (See the link below for more info)

Today, the Southern California Bluebird Club represents a wonderful success story of conservation and citizen science.

In 2015, 114 volunteers attended to 2,285 nest boxes. This effort included setting up nest boxes followed by weekly visits in Spring and Summer to count nests, eggs, nestlings, and fledged birds. Volunteers also cleaned and repaired boxes.

Result: 5,906 Western Bluebirds in 2015.

We owe this group sincere thanks.

Now you will find Western Bluebirds in parks and gardens throughout Southern California.

This group has shown that people can make a difference. In this case, their nest box program has helped preserve a beautiful bird.

Their efforts are also leading to changes in tree management.

For example, some parks are leaving old trees in place to provide nest sites for cavity nesting birds. And arborists are changing their procedures to protect birds.


Western Bluebird, Female, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog: Wonderful Success Story

Western Bluebird, Female


Much success,

Steve Kaye

See more photos of bluebirds at:

Meet the Western Bluebird

Conversation With a Bird

A Story in Every Face

The Truth about Bird Photography and a Goose Update


Birding Resources

Southern California Bluebird Club at https://www.bluebirdssc.wordpress.com

The Cavity Conservation Initiative at http://www.cavityconservation.com

If you like bluebirds and live somewhere else, see:

The North American Bluebird Society at http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/index.htm


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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8 Comments
  • Miguel Macias
    Posted at 08:55h, 26 January

    Wonderful success story indeed. We do have several nest boxes here at the Arboretum.

  • Susan Bulger
    Posted at 20:53h, 26 January

    Thank you for this good news. It is heart-warming to see bluebirds so excited about their cavities and nest boxes at this time of year as they prepare for the nesting season.

  • Steve Kaye
    Posted at 21:06h, 26 January

    Hello Everybody,

    If you’d like to be part of this good news, the Southern California Bluebird Club can always use more volunteers. Check their web site (link above) for more info.

  • Vicki Green
    Posted at 05:58h, 27 January

    Thanks for sharing this good news and I hope it will encourage groups in other areas of the country to do something similar.

  • Mary Norton
    Posted at 08:26h, 27 January

    What a great idea. If I live in the area, this is one thing my bird feeder of a husband would truly enjoy.

  • Robert Chianese
    Posted at 18:53h, 31 January

    Great photo to accompany the success story.

  • Tracie Lynne Hall
    Posted at 05:21h, 01 February

    Another one of my favorites! I love their color and always think–“This will be a great day, I just saw the bluebird of happiness!” These are fabulous photos!

  • Bob Franz
    Posted at 06:48h, 01 February

    Hi Steve,

    Good job on the website – we in the SCBC thank you.

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