I think it is safe to say that the Eastern bluebird is the favorite bird of visitors to Landis. In fact, bluebirds have to be counted among the most well-loved species of birds in the world. While there are many reasons for their popularity, the greatest factor is arguably their beautiful coloring. They typically live in open country around scattered trees and where there is limited understory and sparse ground cover. They prefer to nest in cavities, such as holes in trees, and in human-made nest boxes. These birds mainly eat insects and fruit. Landis has an abundance of habitat, foods, and nest cavities that Eastern bluebirds favor.
I began volunteering at the Arboretum in November 2023, and my assignment has been to come in on Tuesdays to take care of the Bluebird Trail. When I started, many of the nest boxes along the trail needed repair. I met with Landis Director Fred Breglia, who explained the overall rehabilitation plan and gave me some guidance on how to begin. I continue to meet with Fred from time to time.
Initially, I focused on assessing and recording the condition of the trail. During November, each nest box was visited, photographed, and cleaned out, and its location, structural condition, and other attributes were entered into a spreadsheet. Required repairs were identified, and the necessary materials scrounged – scrap wood from behind the Meeting House and unused hardware from the Barn. Fortunately, the ground hadn’t frozen yet, so I was also able to straighten and reinstall posts during this time rather than having to wait for the spring thaw.
By the end of December, I had cut down encroaching brush, removed the nest boxes that needed repair, and brought them to the Greenhouse. Nest box repairs were begun and will be completed by March. I am happy to report that weather conditions did not interfere with the rehabilitation project. I never had to skip a week of work because of extreme cold or snow that was too deep. That’s not to say that we didn’t have any cold weather. Fortunately, the Greenhouse provided a refuge from the cold as it hovers around 50° inside when it’s cloudy and is even warmer on sunny days.
On a philosophical note, I’ve observed that winter is a quiet time of year at Landis, both out on the trail and in the Greenhouse. My Tuesdays have been peaceful, even meditative. Much as I have loved the comparative solitude, I am looking forward to a transition to springtime, warmer days, and seeing more people. Also, it will be great to see plant activities ramp up in the Greenhouse, even if it means that I lose most of my “office space”.
Trail rehabilitation by the numbers:
• 40 nest boxes inspected and cleaned
• 30+ nest box posts straightened
• 20 nest box roofs replaced or repaired
• 18 weeks spent on the project (one day per week)
• 15 mice evicted during box cleanouts
• Many miles of hiking back-and-forth between the Greenhouse and the nest boxes
By March the rehabilitation project will be complete, just in time to begin trail monitoring. Look for my first report on trail monitoring in the summer issue of the Arboretum newsletter. In the meantime, visit our new Bird Blog here, where you’ll find more information on birds at Landis.
