Mission
To improve the vitality of bluebird populations throughout the State of Colorado, and to inform and educate the public about bluebirds.
Improving the Bluebird Populations
The Colorado Bluebird Project operates under the guidance of the Audubon Society of Greater Denver and is offered through POST Partners in Parker. This volunteer-run project aims to improve the vitality of bluebird populations throughout Colorado and to inform and educate the public about bluebirds.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to assist with monitoring of the nest boxes from April through August. Volunteers are also needed to assist with nest box construction. To apply for the program, complete the individual volunteer application and volunteer waiver and indemnification form, and then submit it to the POST Partners volunteer coordinator by email.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to assist with monitoring of the nest boxes from April through August. Volunteers are also needed to assist with nest box construction. To apply for the program, complete the individual volunteer application and volunteer waiver and indemnification form, and then submit it to the POST Partners volunteer coordinator by email.
What is the Colorado Bluebird Project?
This project operates under the guidance of the Audubon Society of Greater Denver. Its mission is to improve the vitality of bluebird populations throughout Colorado and to inform and educate the public about bluebirds.
What is a Bluebird?
Bluebirds are social migratory songbirds and one of the few North American birds that are mostly blue in color. There are three species of bluebirds but only two have been sighted in Castle Rock: Mountain Bluebird and Western Bluebird (Eastern Bluebird is found mostly in eastern Colorado). They are secondary cavity nesters, meaning they must rely on other species’ used nesting cavities or artificial nest boxes. They feed mainly on insects but also wild fruit, berries and mealworms.
What is a Bluebird nest box?
A nest box is an artificial nesting cavity for bluebirds, but can also be used by Violet-green Swallows and Tree Swallows, usually made of untreated pine, redwood or cedar wood. The boxes are installed in late March, before the bluebirds return from winter migration, or remain in place through the winter. There are specifications for nest boxes designs provided by the North American Bluebird Society, which are designed with an overhang, a pivoting side or top for monitoring and cleaning, as well as specific features to keep out predators and other non-native bird species.
How We Are Doing It
- Database showing all known nest-box trails in Colorado, their status, and who is responsible for them
- Matching service to connect volunteer monitors to unmonitored trails
- Free, one-hour program for any group interested in establishing a nest-box trail that covers basics of the birds’ natural history including nesting, incubation and fledging cycles; predator and problem controls; and guidance for installing, monitoring and reporting results for a nest-box trail
- Construct nestboxes for sale to the public in either kit or preassembled form – proceeds from the sales fund materials to build more nestboxes and also support ASGD programs
- Maintain the website to provide information and access to more comprehensive links, the Project’s email and listserv addresses
For more information visit the sites below.
http://www.denveraudubon.org/conservation-research/conservation/bluebird-project/
http://www.crgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/1386/Bluebird-Project-Overview-PDF
https://www.crgov.com/2028/Colorado-Bluebird-Project
http://www.crgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/1386/Bluebird-Project-Overview-PDF
https://www.crgov.com/2028/Colorado-Bluebird-Project