Dedicated to increasing & protecting the bluebird population of Bella Vista, AR
Opening remarks
BVBBS & its volunteers
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.
BVBBS 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, ranchwood, BV Cemetery, Pres church, Concordia, Lake BV, Loch Lomond Park, LL Marina, Tanyard Creek natural area, & Oakford area.
Monitoring prevents 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 Bluebirds or building their own nest right over the Bluebird nest.
Controlling Tree Swallows. They are a protected species, also in decline but not as much as Bluebirds. These we allow to nest, but place boxes to minimize the loss of boxes to Bluebird.
Assisting Bluebird in successfully fledging as many chicks possible.
By above controls.
By cleaning out the boxes between fledging cycles. Bluebird can brood 2-3 times per season (March-August)
Keep track of number of fledglings. For our records but also reported to N.A. Bluebird Society.
Besides, it's fun watching from nest starting to fledging. Especially the baby chicks. Plus an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Bella Vista.
We monitor each box weekly from March-August.
Maintaining boxes.
Keeping box sets in good shape. Waterproof, etc.
Relocating inactive box sets, Adding new, etc.
It's Bluebirds’ homes during this period, and we try to keep them in good condition.
WEHMEYER Slide Presentation: Welcome Back the Bluebirds NABS
JANSSEN Presentation: Nests & Nest Boxes
Photo courtesy of Debbie Rasberry