Become a Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series

Use these resources to learn more about how you can become a bluebird watcher. You'll glean insight and valuable information related to everything you need to get started with and fully enjoy this hobby.

• Session 1

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 1

  Bluebird introduction and our research objectives - Dec. 5, 2020

  • Performance of different bluebird nest boxes
    Julia Perreau and Kathryn E. Sieving, Choice of Bluebird Nest Box: A potential for ecological traps? (PDF). A study comparing Gilbertson and Peterson nest boxes on the University of Florida campus. Bluebirds chose both nest box designs equally but bluebirds in Gilbertson nest boxes produced more nestlings and fledglings.
• Session 2

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 2

  • Session 2: Constructing nest boxes - Dec. 12, 2020

• Session 3

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 3

  • Session 3: Deploying nest boxes / Wildlife tour of the UF/IFAS RCREC - Jan. 9, 2021
    • Field update, January 2021
      Dr. Hance Ellington provides a field update: deploying nest boxes, new technique, and bluebirds caught on camera!
    • View of field sites, January 2021
      Dr. Hance Ellington provides a 360 degree view of all 20 nest box test sites at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC.
    • Resources for monitoring bluebird nest boxes
      NestWatch nest check data sheet (PDF)- When monitoring your bluebird nest boxes (or any other bird nest) be sure to report your data to NestWatch.
    • Resources for fire ant control and suppression
      • Red Imported Fire Ant (PDF) - Basic fact sheet on red imported fire ants in Florida. This document covers the basic biology, ecology, and management of red imported fire ants in Florida.
      • Managing Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas (PDF) - This document covers the wide range of control and suppression techniques for imported fire ants in Florida.

• Session 4

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 4

  • Session 4: Checking nest boxes and nest development – February 27, 2021
    • Field Update, March 2021
      Dr. Hance Ellington provides a field update: protecting bluebird nests against fire ants, research update, and first hatch!

• Session 5

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 5

  Session 5: Nest box check/nestling development – March 27, 2021

• Session 6

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 6

  Session 6: Nest box check/role of birds in rangeland systems – May 1 2021

• Session 7

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 7

  Session 7: RCREC Research Update and guest speaker Dr. Kathryn Sieving presenting, "The useful activities and sensitivities of Eastern Bluebirds."  – July 10, 2021 

• Session 8

  Bluebird Watcher Virtual Series - Session 8

  • Session 8: Preparing for the next nesting season/Project results – September 11, 2021