Hi all, Our 4-H homeschooling group monitored the bluebird trail (and additional birdhouses) at the Cayuga Nature Center this spring and summer as a volunteer project. We started the service project when we installed two new bluebird houses and noticed that the existing nest boxes had not been properly cared for or monitored in years. From what we observed bird housing at that institution has been haphazard in recent times and we would like to turn that around. For an educational institution it is particularly important that they are able to provide an exceptional example to the public of how to attract and support wildlife!
We are seeking someone experienced that can come visit, providing our volunteer group & CNC with a strategic plan to improve the situation. If you are, or know of, someone who can consult with us on this topic, we would really appreciate your help. The data that we collected this year at CNC indicates what I would describe as low levels of nesting success (out of 36 boxes 1 successful bluebird brood, 1 failed bluebird brood, 4 swallow broods, 1 chickadee brood, and 1 sparrow brood (argh!), and as my son wants to make sure that I mention, an enormous number of mouse nests!) Some of the boxes were in severe disrepair and weren't fixed up well enough to occupy until mid-season, which might have been a factor. We have a few theories about the low occupation and success rates, but would like professional advice. Thanks for your consideration! Claire Fox Fur 'N Feathers 4-H Northern Light Roots & Shoots www.nllchs.org -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
