Let's get started with my first article to be written under the Midwest Gardening archives. Have you ever wondered where all the bluebirds have gone? Or when was the last time that you heard the song of a bluebird? The eastern bluebird has suffered a serious population decline this century. Man has been responsible for this decline due to clearing of trees which would have suitable nesting cavities and the increased use of pesticides.
It is easy to understand why so many people, including poets, song-writers, artists and vivid gardeners have been captivated by the bluebird's physical beauty, endearing tameness and beautiful songs. for there are few birds that rival these characteristics. The male eastern bluebird is approximatly seven inches long, has a bright blue back, forehead, crown, shoulders, wings and tail. He has a rust colored throat and breast with a white belly. The bluebird is a member of the thrush family along with the American robin and is not to be confused with the bluejay.
Fortunately, the bluebird is slowly making a comeback, thanks in part to the efforts of the North American Bluebird Society. The following site "http://www.cobleskill.edu/nabs/ submitted by the North American Bluebird Society will present you with a wealth of information on bluebirds; Also, plan to attend the Bluebirds Across Nebraska 5th Annual Conference to be held in Kearney, NE on March 27, 1999. There will be several guest speakers which include the following: Myran Pearman, author of Nestboxes for Prairie Birds and Winter Bird Feeding. She will talk about her 450 box bluebird trail. Kevin Berner, will share the results of his research project for the North American Bluebird Society. Paul Tebbel, will present a program on sandhill cranes and Sandy Seibert, will present a new slide program on bluebird basics. Please email Bill Seibert at mailto:bybbs@tconl.com for information about the registration. The conference will be well worth your time with the vast amount of knowledge that you will gain.
As we enter the winter months of 1999 don't forget your feathered friends with birdseed and water. In return they will give you many winter hours of fun and relaxation watching them from the inside of your cozy home.
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