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Your Report Form Is Important Here we are again getting close to the end of bluebird season. Where does the time go? Before anymore time gets away from us, we all have one more important task to complete to bring an end to the season. Enclosed with this newsletter is an Annual Bluebird Report Form. Annual Bluebird Report Form (93K PDF) which should be completed for each trail by every BAN member who monitors a trail. The form is easier to fill out and will take less time if you complete it while the season is fresh in your memory. If you know someone who has a trail and is not a BAN member, we would like to hear about their bluebirds too. Please give them a copy of your form to fill out or take a minute, give them a call, and fill out the form for them. At the same time, you might encourage them to become a member. The information gleaned from the report forms is vital to the success of this organization and, more importantly, the continued growth of our bluebird population. All BAN members and any non-member submitting a form will be sent the Directory upon its completion. Completing the Report Form is one way we all have to stay in touch with each other. Our membership has grown by leaps and bounds. Because of location, work, etc., most members are not able to attend the quarterly meetings where we can share our bluebird stories. This is your chance to let everybody know how your trail progressed this summer. In the comment section on the back of the form let us know about the problems you encountered, your successes or anything about your trail you think others would be interested in hearing about. Many of these stories will be printed in future newsletters. The information you submit about your trail is important for research. The weather has probably had a big impact on bluebird nestings this summer. There have been so many extremes starting with warm weather in early spring which turned into unseasonably cold weather in early summer and then into extreme heat in July. In some areas there were periods of excessive moisture and others with excessive dryness. It will be interesting to see what effect, if any, these extremes have had on bluebird population. Has the number of fledglings gone down this year? We hope not, but we won't know until all the forms are in. For this reason, we urge everyone to submit their forms so that we can get the most accurate count possible. Remember, everyone's information is valuable. It doesn't matter if you fledged 500 bluebirds or none; we need your statistics. It is just as important to know of the sterile eggs, the lost nestlings, the raccoon problems, etc. as it is to know about the successful fledgings. All of the questions on the form are important. Please complete the entire form as accurately as possible. Many of you have trails that are in two counties. A separate form should be completed for each county as data is compiled for each county. One last request, PLEASE write legibly. If you need another reason to complete the Annual Report Form -- it just feels good to know it has been recorded that you are part of a truly successful conservation story -- the return of the bluebirds! Please take the time to complete a form for each trail you monitor and mail them as soon as possible. It's amazing what individuals can do when they "BANd" together.
The December issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine, published by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC), will have an eight-page story about bluebirds and the achievements of Bluebirds Across Nebraska. The article, written by Jana McGuire, will be illustrated with several excellent, full-color photographs. More than 38,000 families, most in Nebraska, receive the magazine. NEBRASKAland Magazine, published 10 times each year, covers outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing, Nebraska parks, wildlife, natural history, culture, unique personalities and history. A one-year subscription is $16.00. To subscribe, send check or money order along with your complete address to: NEBRASKAland Magazine, P. O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370. For faster service, call toll-free, 1-800-NEB-LAND (632-5263) to charge to your Visa or MasterCard. Editor's Note: In 1989, a NEBRASKAland article on bluebirds generated approximately 350 requests for bluebird information. John Dinan, NGPC Non-Game Bird Program Manager, responded to those requests and compiled information for Nebraska's first bluebird directory. Four years later, with his office still handling requests for bluebird information, John and the NGPC were very helpful in the formation of Bluebirds Across Nebraska and have continued to support BAN's efforts. The Environmental Trust Fund Office of the NGPC has been responsible for BAN receiving three grants totaling approximately $25,000. In addition, NGPC has printed and mailed BAN's Statewide Bluebird Directory for the past seven years. BAN is very proud of its long-standing relationship with the NGPC and would like to thank them for their significant contributions to BAN's success. Show your support for the NGPC with a "Check for Wildlife" on your Nebraska state tax return.
By: Bill Seibert Each year when it's time to prepare for the next conference, I am always pleased, but this year brings double joy. Not only are we currently making plans for the 2002 BAN statewide conference in Nebraska City, but plans are actively underway for BAN's hosting of the North American Bluebird Society's convention in 2003 in Kearney. As chairman of the 2003 planning committee, I know much work lies ahead but what pleases me is the way BAN members pitch in and volunteer. I can not think of an instance when volunteers were needed that someone didn't step forward. This year is no different. In asking for help with the 2003 conference I have not had anyone that was not excited to help. The members of this organization are truly what makes it so great. Chuck and Connie Finley have agreed to organize the 2002 conference in Nebraska City. This will be the second conference they have organized. The first was a tremendous success as I am sure this one will be too. The date of the conference is April 20, 2002. To wet your appetite a little, some of the speakers will be: Julie Zickefoose, artist/ naturalist & author of Enjoying Bluebirds More; Carrol Henderson of the Minnesota DNR who has written several books on wildlife & birdfeeding; Keith Radel Minnesota bluebird basics favorite - back by popular demand; and the Omaha Raptor Team. This is an impressive lineup of speakers that I know I don't want to miss. The 2003 conference will be held in Kearney, Nebraska March 20 -23. Field trips to view the Sandhill Cranes and the Gateway Arch, as well as several other excursions, will only be part of the entertainment. Speakers for 2003 include John Acorn, Myrna Pearman, Paul Tebble, Al Batt, Ron Cisar and Kevin Berner. This conference will give BAN members a chance to show bluebirders from across the country what bluebirding in Nebraska is all about. We have begun organizing and people have volunteered to help but many more jobs still need to be filled. As we refine our plans and ask for volunteers, please keep up the tradition of this organization and be part of the team.
By: Charles Gardner, Research Committee Chair To: Participants in Bluebird Nesting Box Preference Study Last year we initiated some Bluebird nesting box preference research in cooperation with County Coordinators and other interested participants. All Bluebird trail monitors who were using paired nesting boxes on their trails were invited to participate. We plan to continue these studies in 2001 and possibly longer in order to obtain adequate data to draw some definite conclusions. We identified two comparisons as being of particular interest:
1. Comparison of Troyer and Gilwood nesting boxes. A number of nesting boxes of the above three types were distributed in hopes that recipients would participate in the studies. A few Bitner nest boxes were also distributed in hopes that they would discourage use by Tree Swallows. Later, a few pairs of modified Troyer-type nesting boxes - one with a deep set entrance and one with a shallower set entrance were distributed for comparison. We received a limited amount of data but we need much more information to draw valid conclusions. Hence, we hope that more of you will participate this year. In establishing new trails using paired boxes, we recommend a distance of 15 feet between the pair of boxes and 125 yards between pairs. All boxes should face east or northeast. Data should be reported only on pairs where the Bluebirds had a clear choice of the two types of boxes. If other cavity nesting birds interfered and forced the Bluebirds into taking second choice, that pair of boxes would not provide information on the Bluebirds' preference. Only those pairs where Bluebirds had a clear choice will provide valid data for analysis and are the only data that should be reported. Reports in 2001 will be greatly simplified and need only include:
1. Your own pair (site) identification. If you used paired nesting boxes different from those listed above such as Peterson vs. Gilwood, or comparisons involving PVC nesting boxes, we would appreciate your reports on Bluebirds' preference between the types compared. Also, if you used a different spacing between pairs of boxes, please report your results indicating the spacing used. At the end of this nesting season, please send your information to:
Charles O. Gardner
A similar study was conducted in 2000 with very little response from participants. With so many members and trails to draw from, BAN has the opportunity to compile some very useful information to share with others. But we can't do it without your input. Due to the time and expense of building the boxes used in the study, as well as the time spent preparing the study itself, better response will be necessary in order for BAN to continue research studies. Please take the time to send in the simple information requested above.
By: Vicki Christo Ten years ago we purchased 23 acres and set three goals. The first was to convert the farm ground into native prairie and wildflowers. The second was to start landscaping for our future home. Having a love for flowers and birds, we put up bird feeders, baths and, thanks to Steve Eno's help, 14 Bluebird nesting boxes throughout the acreage. I could hardly contain my excitement that first spring when I found the most perfect nest with 5 little blue eggs in one of the boxes! Since that time, we have had at least three bluebird nestings each year and have enjoyed watching both young and adult bluebirds frequent our bird baths. We realized our third goal just last year when we built our own "dream home" and moved in. Having met our three goals, I told my husband Jim that my NEW goal was to get bluebirds to come to one of our decks. Unbelievably, my latest goal was met and surpassed this summer! I happened to look outside and saw a female bluebird pecking at a clump of dead grasses with four little fledglings hopping around on the same clump. I was glued to the window and totally amazed when I saw all of them fly up to the deck railing with the female adult then flying up to the top of our glass patio door. With a window above the patio door, I was able to watch the activity from right inside the house. She was building a nest! I pulled out every book I had on bluebirds and not one mentioned bluebirds building nests anywhere other than a cavity of a tree or a nesting box. Jim and I watched every day after that and soon eggs were appearing in the nest! A total of five eggs hatched on approximately July 4, 2001. I couldn't believe it and had to share the exciting news with someone I knew would share my excitement. I decided to call Steve and Cheryl Eno. Of course they were skeptical, but they came over to check it out for themselves. I'm sure they expected to see barn swallows, but what they saw was a beautiful cup-shaped grass nest built on top of an apparent start of a Robin or Barn Swallow nest containing 5 hatchlings that were probably 3 or 4 days old according to Steve. On July 17, I saw a baby hanging precariously onto the door screen. I immediately panicked and called Steve because I thought this was way too soon. During our conversation, the baby started flapping his wings and flew off with Mom and Dad following behind. I noticed him later in one of our trees getting attention from both Mom and Dad. The next day the remaining babies fledged. There are no words to express the joy we felt watching this rare nesting on a daily basis. My emotions are running the gambit right now. Part of me is ecstatic, while part of me is sad that they are no longer close enough to see without binoculars. We can only hope that we will be blessed by them returning to nest on our patio door again next summer! If not, I'm glad I have pictures and video so that I will always remember this summer of 2001! (Photo by Leland Osten. Unfortunately, the quality of Leland's photos does not come through in this newsletter but he has some great shots of this).
On July 1st there were SEVEN eggs in a Gilwood box at the trail at James Arthur Vineyards near Raymond. (A 7-egg clutch is not very common, but it's even more uncommon this late in the season when clutch sizes tend to be smaller.) Seven eggs were found again the second week, but on the third week, there were four hatched bluebirds with no sign of the remaining three eggs. A very aggressive female dive-bombed the trail monitor during all three visits to the box. Sarpy County Coordinator Julie Milota had a partial albino female bluebird nesting in a box by Papillion Nebraska. There was a little rust coloring on the breast, but besides that it was pure white. Several years ago, two albino nestlings were found in a box by June Papst in the same area. Steve Eno had the first-time experience of having TEN bluebird eggs in a Troyer box on his trail near Raymond. Steve said "This has to be egg dumping most likely by two females." For three weeks in a row, he found FIVE eggs in the box. For the next three weeks after that, there were TEN eggs in the box. Adult bluebirds were never present at the nest site and the eggs were cool to the touch -- meaning they were probably infertile. Then during the 7th week, when Steve was going to dump the contents, he found a female in the box incubating four eggs. [As of the date the newsletter goes to print, it is unknown if any of the eggs will hatch.] Indiana Bluebird Society founders and BAN members, Jim & Ann Auer reported the following: "This story starts around Memorial Day when we heard of an albino baby bluebird in a nest about 12 miles from us. We did not get to see this bird, as it had already fledged by the time we heard about it. Last week, on July 7, another man called us (he is about 15 miles from the first man) and said he had an albino baby bluebird in a nest. We went to see it, banded it etc......this one had brown eyes not pink. Today, on July 14, the first man called us again and said he thought he had 2 albino baby bluebirds in a nest this time (presumably the same parents) .....we raced over....they are not completely feathered out yet, and they both have pink eyes. Their sibling appears to be normal. They are almost a gray color and not real white......he said the first one got whiter as more feathers came out. (We banded these also).
By: Ken Hanneman, Raymond, Ne. I've often wondered how many people take the time to actually stop to observe a nesting pair of bluebirds while checking their trail. Do we just check the box and happily move on after discovering new nests, eggs, or young? Fine, but you are missing a lot. Take the time to stop and make some very interesting observations. First and foremost is the fact that you don't want to disturb the nesting pair by observing too closely. Take along some binoculars and when you find an active box, sit down a safe distance away. Be still and watch. Your first observation may be the close, caring bond of the pair, especially during incubation. The male will fly up to the entrance with a tidbit in his beak, peek in, and immediately fly to a perch. The hen will be right behind him. He will then feed her. He will usually fly back to the entrance and poke his head in to "admire" his handiwork and make sure everything is in order. He doesn't appear to do any sitting, only guarding the nest. They will often sit on the perch or house and converse in a barely audible twitter, sometimes fluttering one wing at the same time. Perhaps an age-old body language? At times they appear to be "kissing" or touching beaks when there is no food visible. Some pairs are very protective if another bird happens to land on the box. With a great deal of dive-bombing and apparently beak clicking they are usually successful in driving the intruder off. So, take time to sit and watch, you won't be sorry.
By: Steve Eno One would think that after the record number of bluebirds fledged last year in Nebraska, there would be more bluebirds than ever. Although some people are doing well on their trails, it seems that numbers are down for many of the bluebirders I've heard from this season. After talking with many bluebirders from other Midwest bluebird organizations (and even one in Canada) it appears that the numbers are down this year over a large scale area. The general consensus seems to be that the weather is the main reason behind the decreased number of nesting bluebirds. Unlike a number of previous years, Nebraska and Iowa experienced an extremely cold and snowy winter which could have had a detrimental affect on bluebirds that wintered over here. On top of that, there was a cool wet spring which slowed their migration and delayed nestings. There are also reports from different bluebird organizations in some southern states, where "our" bluebirds spend the winter, of deaths due to prolonged cold spells with ice covering their food source. The following letter appeared in the Oklahoma Bluebird Society's Spring 2001 Newsletter: April 7, 2001 - Due to the unusually harsh winter, the Eastern Bluebird is nesting two weeks later than usual for my trail. As of last week, the bluebirds were appearing in increasing numbers, but as of today, out of 83 nest boxes on the trail, only 14 have been taken by bluebirds, while Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice have taken 21. Last year, 270 bluebirds, 39 chickadees, and 25 titmice fledged from this trail. It is already apparent that the numbers will be very different this year. Many bluebirds over winter in this area of northeast Oklahoma, and a number of them likely starved during the two-week period when the ground and trees were covered with ice. Nest boxes are left up for the birds to use for warmth on cold nights. I found five dead bluebirds when cleaning out the boxes in February. I've not seen this happen in the last five years, and it remains to be seen how the local bluebird population has been affected. Bob Walshaw, Coweta, OK At the NABS convention in Columbus, bluebirders from states further to the south, such as Georgia and Texas, reported that they have a record number of bluebirds in their area and that there are bluebirds in areas where they haven't had them before. It's possible that many of the bluebirds that normally head to our area did not do so this year because of the weather conditions and that they stayed further south to nest. It is also possible that the offspring of the bluebirds that nested further south this year will imprint on that area and may not migrate north next year. This is just a theory discussed by a few bluebirders at the convention and afterwards. So don't be discouraged! There are a lot of things that you can control on your bluebird trail – but the weather is not one of them -- and the weather is one of the most important factors in a successful nesting season.
A full copy of the minutes taken by BAN Secretary Sharon Holliday have been placed on file. A summary of the meeting from those minutes follows: Despite an all-day downpour, 48 members and friends attended the spring quarterly meeting at Schramm State Park. Following the potluck lunch, President Bill Seibert called the meeting to order. There was a drawing for "painted bluebird cookies" that the Enos won in a silent auction at the Minnesota bluebird conference. Winners were: Gloria Bartak, Anne DeVries, Barb Jensen, Mary Teten, and Sandy Seibert. Committee Reports were then presented. Highlights of the reports include: County Coordinators. Chuck Finley reported the addition of 3 new county coordinators; reminded the coordinators and other members to recognize the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund when presenting booths and workshops; and asked the coordinators to let him know about their activities. He also reported that Cass County Coordinator Ron Eaton was recuperating from surgery. Education. Mary Zimmerman reported that the grant Mary Novak had submitted to the Ted Turner Foundation to allow BAN's education committee to put bluebird books and videos in elementary schools throughout the state was turned down, but we all thank Mary Novak for her efforts. She also encouraged people to watch for the new BAN kiosks that are going up. Membership & Statewide Directory. Sandy Seibert reported that the current membership count is 1155 and she reminded everyone to keep accurate records for the directory reports. Research. Charles Gardner has prepared a paper that clarifies the latest research project [see p. 5]. Under old business, Loren Fuchs reported that the Norfolk Plant fair resulted in 20 new members. New members also signed up at Spring Affair and the Audubon Rivers & Wildlife Conference. The importance of a presence at booths was pointed out. Steve Eno showed two different boxes he had received to review for NABS approval. And although it was sometimes hard to hear over the pouring rain, almost everyone stayed to share how their trail was doing this season.
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