Trail Monitoring

Nest boxes for mountain bluebirds should be placed on a post or a pole, rather than attached to a tree, as this makes it more difficult for predators to access the nest. The box should facing away from the prevailing wind, with the entrance hole facing towards an open area or a meadow where the bluebirds can easily find food. The ideal height for a mountain bluebird nest box is around 4-7 feet from the ground, but it can be placed higher if necessary.

It is also important to ensure that the nest box is in a location where it will not be disturbed by human activity, such as mowing or construction, or by cattle or horses.

Although weekly monitoring is standard there are times when this is not feasible. Remember the bottom line here is providing a nest box and cleaning it out every fall or spring.

Bluebirds will not abandon nestboxes that are monitored. However, it is important to not open nest boxes at certain times:

• Cold weather

• Heavy Rains

• Hot weather

• After the nestlings are at an age where they will fledge prematurely (14 days for side- and front-opening boxes; 16 days for all boxes)

It is important to carry the right tools with you as you monitor your nest boxes. Not only to open your boxes but to fix any issues and deal with emergencies. Below is a suggested list:

• Screwdriver or cordless drill and extra drill bits.

• Hammer

• Pliers

• Screws

• Nails

• Bolts

• Wire (if you use wire on your boxes)

• Leatherman or similar tool

• Replacement boxes and extra pieces (i.e. roof or bottom)

• Felt pen or other marking method for box numbering

• Disposable hand wipes

• Rubber Gloves

• Putty knife or plastic scraper to clean out boxes

• Stiff-bristled brush (for cleaning out debris)

• Plastic bags (for collecting used nest if applicable)

• Cloth or handkerchief to put in nest box hole

• Disinfectant spray

• Respirator with HEPA filter (for cleaning out mouse infested boxes)

• Pencils and field notebook

• Approach the box quietly from one side.

• Place your hand over the hole

• Open it up and peek inside.

• Make a mental note of what is in the box. If a bird is on the nest do not handle birds unless you are a licensed bander.

• Get an accurate count of of eggs and nestlings, and note the overall condition of the box.

• Leave quickly and quietly.

• Record your observations either on paper or in NestWatch.

A detailed record of your nest boxes is important and contributes to the understanding of bluebird natural history and population dynamics. Ensure you share your data to CANMS and/or NestWatch.

The following outlines what information you should try to collect:

• Location of nest

• Habitat

• Box height

• Mounting Method

• Direction of hole opening (aspect)

• Date of first sighting of season

• Date of first egg

• Number of eggs

• Number of young

• Number fledged

• Hatching date

• Fledging date

• Cause of nest failure (if known)

At times you will encounter a banded bird in your box. If you have training and proper permits you can pick up the bird and record the band number.

If you do not have training or permits contact CANMS and we will help with the next step.

Recording banded birds helps in determining ages and migration patterns.

You may find that another bird species is using your nest box. Determine what species of bird is using the nest. Usually it is a tree-swallow, violet-green swallow, chickadee, house wren, or European tree sparrow. Often they are nearby. You can also tell by the types of nests that are built.

With the exception of the European tree sparrow you must leave the nests and eggs of the other birds intact.

For the European tree sparrow you can remove the nesting material and any eggs you find. If they continue to build in the nest box consider moving the box or taking out the bottom for a season.

For all other birds, continue to monitor the box and report the results. Even though it is not a mountain bluebird the data is still important.

At times you might not be able to check your boxes frequently enough to determine the exact numbers of birds who have fledged.

• The nest contains flattened and matted nesting material. It may be covered with dirt, fecal material, discarded insect parts, or fruit/berry stains.

• There is a substantial amount of chitin at the bottom of the nest under the nesting material. Chitin comes from the sheaths that protect the feathers as they emerge. The thicker the layer the more nestlings.

• Be sure to check the nesting material for unhatched eggs or decomposed/desiccated bodies. These are not always visible when nestlings are present.

Mountain bluebirds will build over old nests. However these nests can contain parasites, mold, and can attract ants and mice.

To clean your box simply remove the material. Make sure you are upwind of the box when you do this. You can either throw the material away nearby or in areas with high predation you can take it with you in a garbage bag.

Scrub the sides and bottom of the box to remove built up dirt and fecal material.

If this is still the middle of the nesting season replace the bottom and continue to check your box.

If it is the end of the season you can remove the bottom of the box to prevent mice from overwintering.