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Nestwatch Blog: "Eastern Bluebird"


Staying Steady When Faced With Environmental Change

Researchers examined long-term demographic data from NestWatch to understand the degree to which certain species and populations might be correlated in their reproductive success. They used 21 years of NestWatch data and found little synchronization between Eastern Bluebirds and Carolina Chickadees, a result that might indicate these populations are resilient to environmental challenges.


Not Too Chilled To Build

Nest box monitors in Florida and Texas have reported some extremely early Eastern Bluebird nests this month. Learn more about this exceptionally rare timing, and what may have triggered these unusual nesting attempts.


Does Supplemental Feeding Help Nesting Birds?

NestWatchers have helped shed light on one of the most-asked questions of our participants: what are the biological consequences of providing extra food to birds? As is usually the case, results vary based on species.


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.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology