Western Bluebird Restoration Project
At the Gardens:
The Community Gardens of Santa Clarita is participating in the Western Bluebird Restoration Project. We have placed a Bluebird box in our gardens to help both College of the Canyons (COC) and the Santa Clarita Environmental Education Consortium (SCEEC) restore the population of Western Bluebirds.
The Community Gardens of Santa Clarita is participating in the Western Bluebird Restoration Project. We have placed a Bluebird box in our gardens to help both College of the Canyons (COC) and the Santa Clarita Environmental Education Consortium (SCEEC) restore the population of Western Bluebirds.
Bluebird Information:
General Information:
The Western bluebird, scientific name, Sialia mexicana, is a small thrush which is 5.9 to 7.1 inches in height. The male birds have a bright blue top with orange sides and breast, they have a brownish patch on the back and a grey underbelly. The female birds are duller than the male birds, with blue on top and on their wings. They have a grey neck and underbelly, and an orange breast. Younger bluebirds are also duller in color and can have spots on their belly and back. The bright coloring of the male birds play a role in how a female bluebird selects a mate. The western bluebird likes to hangout on wire fences and tall perches. It preys for its food on the ground, which consists of worms and berries. It can however catch flying insects when available and will consume water from bird baths as well as nearby streams.
Status and Conservation:
The restoration of the Western Bluebird is important due to the increased development in Southern California, as well as fire suppression efforts, and competition from other species. The lack of nesting cavities resulted in the severe decline in Bluebird populations.
Decline of bluebirds have been seen across the entire United States for all three species Mountain, Eastern, and Western bluebirds.
Nesting Boxes:
Many naturalist are urging individuals across the country to put up bluebird nesting boxes to increase the bluebird populations. The bluebird along with 60 other bird species are cavity dwellers. They find their homes in the cavity of trees, today it's harder to find such cavities. Nesting boxes provide a dwelling for these birds to procreate each season.
General Information:
The Western bluebird, scientific name, Sialia mexicana, is a small thrush which is 5.9 to 7.1 inches in height. The male birds have a bright blue top with orange sides and breast, they have a brownish patch on the back and a grey underbelly. The female birds are duller than the male birds, with blue on top and on their wings. They have a grey neck and underbelly, and an orange breast. Younger bluebirds are also duller in color and can have spots on their belly and back. The bright coloring of the male birds play a role in how a female bluebird selects a mate. The western bluebird likes to hangout on wire fences and tall perches. It preys for its food on the ground, which consists of worms and berries. It can however catch flying insects when available and will consume water from bird baths as well as nearby streams.
Status and Conservation:
The restoration of the Western Bluebird is important due to the increased development in Southern California, as well as fire suppression efforts, and competition from other species. The lack of nesting cavities resulted in the severe decline in Bluebird populations.
Decline of bluebirds have been seen across the entire United States for all three species Mountain, Eastern, and Western bluebirds.
Nesting Boxes:
Many naturalist are urging individuals across the country to put up bluebird nesting boxes to increase the bluebird populations. The bluebird along with 60 other bird species are cavity dwellers. They find their homes in the cavity of trees, today it's harder to find such cavities. Nesting boxes provide a dwelling for these birds to procreate each season.
For more information on the Bluebird Restoration Project check out these links below:
Western Bluebird Restoration Project Brochure
Western Bluebird Restoration Nesting Hanging Box Instructions
Western Bluebird Restoration Nesting Slot Box Instructions
Western Bluebird Restoration Project Brochure
Western Bluebird Restoration Nesting Hanging Box Instructions
Western Bluebird Restoration Nesting Slot Box Instructions
| Children's Bluebird Activity Book |