It has been awhile since I have written about my experiences with inheriting an Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) box trail. I started late last fall, with cleaning out the boxes so that they could serve as suitable roosting places for the bluebirds who spend the winter in the area. This spring, I have visited the nests twice – once when only one box had the beginnings of a nest, and 1 week ago when most of the boxes had eggs! The reason that this is the final chapter is because, like with the bird banding that I have tried, I cannot bring myself to interfere with the birds’ lives. I desperately want to help birds and other wildlife, but I know for sure that these activities are not the answer for me. During my last trip around the bluebird boxes, I was thrilled to see that almost all of the boxes had beautiful blue eggs. At the same time, I worried about the anxious parents I had just scared away. And I worried about “what if” the next time a baby bird fell out. And “what if” the next time some of the baby birds had perished.

In sharing my dilemma with you, I hope that you will see that there is nothing wrong with working to find the best way that you can help our planet and its living creatures. For me, the best way is to observe and learn, to share my knowledge and enthusiasm, and to inspire others. I can also build habitats to support native flora and fauna, then step back and let nature take its course. My hummingbird/butterfly garden and frog ponds are smashing successes! I have volunteered to photograph birds, bugs, plants, and trees for Camp Fire USA programs. And I try to lead by example by sharing all of these things here at Birder’s Lounge. Sometimes, when I should be working.

So, in this final chapter of my own personal experience with bluebird nest boxes, I’ll share another picture or two. I will be contacting local birder friends to find someone who will fit the bill (get it? …my bird humor) for the monitoring that this trail needs.

This is typically what I am able to see, from my 5’4″ height. Most of the boxes are so high that I can only see that there is a nest inside. I tried holding my camera up and blindly snapping pictures, but nothing good came from that technique.

On my last round, my niece and my sister accompanied me. My niece took notes:

I have to admit that I was happy that my niece was able to experience the wonder of seeing such beautiful bluebird eggs, and witness the anxious parents nearby. We also thought we heard a “tweet” from inside the box, even though there were only eggs inside. Is this possible? …I don’t know!

My sister provided a solution to our inability to see into the nests, by using her makeup mirror. She held it at an angle inside the box, then I took a picture of the mirror. It worked!

I’d like to give a shout out to anyone who is currently tending bluebird nest boxes – you guys/gals are awesome! I admire your efforts to help the bluebirds, and am grateful that there are people who can “handle” the aspects of the work that I cannot. Thanks!