Nest box program aims to restore Western Bluebird population

Western Bluebirds have been driven from their natural habitats due to development, habitat degradation and invasive bird species, prompting a local conservation effort to help the species recover. The birds, scientifically known as Sialia mexicana, play a crucial role in agriculture by feeding primarily on crop-damaging insects. To support their recovery, a participatory science program has volunteers monitoring nest boxes weekly from April through November, recording nesting activity and population data. The initiative follows protocols established by Cornell NestWatch, a nationwide monitoring program that tracks bird reproductive biology, including nesting timing, egg counts, hatch rates and hatchling survival. "The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the program as 'a nationwide monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive,' " according to program materials. Organizers aim to expand the program rapidly across El Dorado County by increasing volunteer participation through training sessions and adapting monitoring schedules to fit individual lifestyles. To participate, go to arconservancy.org