Photo ©
Glenda Simmons
How Does Drought Affect Eastern Bluebirds?
Climate models are predicting drier conditions and more persistent droughts in North America. Thanks to contributions from NestWatchers, scientists were recently able to conduct the first range-wide analysis on the effects of drought on Eastern Bluebird breeding success.
Buckeye Birds Track Temperature And Precipitation
A new study based on Ohio’s bluebirds and Tree Swallows sheds light on how future climate scenarios might impact nesting birds. It also takes a look at how birds might help mitigate crop pests in Ohio.
Predators Near the Nest: Bluebirds Weigh the Risks
When it comes to predators near the nest, do birds leave after just one observation? A recent study suggests that simply observing a predator at the nest box one time is not likely to cause abandonment.
New Homes For Birds On The Walnut River
She may not be old enough to drive yet, but 14-year-old Katelyn Shelton didn’t let that stop her from creating a nest box trail in her neighborhood. A contributor to NestWatch, Katelyn shares her enthusiasm for birds and conservation as a guest blogger.
Bluebirds And Fall Foliage Have Something In Common
What do bluebirds and fall foliage have in common? It turns out, quite a lot! Our guest student blogger uses her artist’s eye to spot surprising similarities in nature that might otherwise go unnoticed.
To Clean Or Not To Clean Your Nest Box?
Do cavity-nesting birds prefer to reuse nests, or do they like a fresh start? The answer is not clear-cut, and a lot depends on the species and the geographic location.
Eastern Bluebirds Using Open Cup Nests
In May 2017, Jason Estep of Ohio witnessed something incredibly rare, or at least, rarely seen. An Eastern Bluebird female consistently sat in the old nest of an American Robin over an eight day period. Although the nest was too high to glimpse the contents, it is thought that she was incubating eggs. But Jason isn’t the only one to find this kind of oddity this year.