
26 Jan Wonderful Success Story | Jan 2016
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
Much success,
Steve Kaye
See more photos of bluebirds at:
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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Miguel Macias
Posted at 08:55h, 26 JanuaryWonderful success story indeed. We do have several nest boxes here at the Arboretum.
Susan Bulger
Posted at 20:53h, 26 JanuaryThank 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 JanuaryHello 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 JanuaryThanks 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 JanuaryWhat 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 JanuaryGreat photo to accompany the success story.
Tracie Lynne Hall
Posted at 05:21h, 01 FebruaryAnother 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 FebruaryHi Steve,
Good job on the website – we in the SCBC thank you.