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To help increase the Nebraska bluebird population, Mosaic clients in York have established a bluebird trail on the grounds there, Kerri Naber, a Direct Support Associate said. With help from Mosaic staff members, they assembled five birdhouses and arrayed them on posts. They also took responsibility for monitoring them–at least once a week. Bluebirds Across Nebraska literature indicates that bluebirds “readily accept human help and continuous observation.” The many enthusiastic birders in York have observed pretty continuously. Naber hopes that's true, because clients' weekly checks have increased to once or twice daily.
So far, they haven't had much to monitor, she said. They've removed a couple of sparrow nests, but they haven't found wasps or gnats taking over their birdhouses. No raccoons, cats or snakes have disturbed them either. A tree swallow built a nest in one of the boxes, but that's OK; tree swallows need encouragement in Nebraska, too. So far, no bluebirds, though. Despite spring storms, the birdhouses have provided snug, dry shelter so the trail monitors hope some bluebirds will soon check them out and move in.
York clients' interest in bluebirds has spread to other species as well, Naber said. Donated finch, hummingbird and block feeders and a birdbath have diversified the bird population in Mosaic's back yard. Staff members, as well as clients, peek out occasionally to see what might be visiting. Binoculars make it easier for people using wheelchairs who might not get outside as often. Mosaic in York doubled the size of its garden this year, Naber said. Gardeners have shared the lettuce with hungry rabbits. An array of four-o'clocks, zinnias and marigolds should draw a few butterflies. For wheelchair users, the local Jaycees chapter plans to build elevated beds where they can grow flowers and vegetables, Naber continued. Mosaic's backyard habitat offers mowed spaces where walking is easy for people not entirely sure on their feet and taller grasses along the edges for wild creatures and more intrepid explorers. Maybe soon there will be bluebirds. Originally Appeared In Mosaic, July 2004
re-printed in Bluebirds Across Nebraska
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