Dedicated to increasing & protecting the bluebird population of Bella Vista, AR
Wehmeyer: Welcome Everyone
Thanks for public support
Reporting fledgings at year end
Cash or other contributions
Thanks to our volunteers
Purpose of meeeting
Introducing you to BVBBS
Helping you with backyard boxes
Recruit volunteers
With about 50 volunteers, turnover is constant
Any new volunteers always welcome
Any interest after the meeting, see Lorna.
Bella Vista Bluebird Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to increasing and protecting the Bluebird population in BV.
We do this by providing safe nesting sites.
Bluebirds numbers are low. From 1940 to 1990, their population down ~ 90 %. That trend has reversed significantly.
Since 1980 the BVBBS has fledged 42,504 Bluebirds in the BV area. Our annual fledging rate now runs between 1500-2000.
We currently have ~50 volunteers monitoring & maintaining 422 BB Boxes on all 7 golf courses, Branchwood, BV Cemetery, Pres church, Concordia, Lake BV, Loch Lomond Park, Loch Lomond Marina, Tanyard Creek natural area, & Oakford area.
Why We Monitor:
Preventing problem predators, such as: House (English) Sparrows, Raccoons, Snakes.
House Sparrows in particular, an introduced species that is not protected by the wildlife laws. About the same size as Bluebirds, they are very aggressive, taking over boxes and often killing BB's or building their own nest right over the BB nest.
Controlling Tree Swallows, a protected species also in decline but not as much as BB's. These we allow to nest,but place boxes to minimize the loss of boxes to BB's.
Assist Bluebirds in successfully fledging as many chicks as possible.
By above controls, plus
By cleaning out the boxes between fledging cycles. BB's can brood 2-3 times per season (March-August)
Keep track of number of fledglings. For our records and to North America Bluebird Society.
Besides, it's fun watching from nest starting to fledging. Especially the baby chicks. Plus an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of BV.
We monitor each box weekly from March-August.
Maintenance:
Keeping box sets in good shape. Waterproof, etc.
Relocating inactive box sets, Adding new, etc.
It's BB's home during this period, and we try to keep it in good condition.
Wehmeyer Presentation: Welcome Back the Bluebirds NABS
Janssen Presentation: Nests & Nest Boxes
Photo courtesy of Debbie Rasberry