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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUEBIRD CLUB |
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Protecting Bluebirds and Other Cavity Nesters in Southern California |
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How To’s |
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Getting Started |
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There are only three basic things you need to get started; a nestbox, Purvis lifter, and logbook. If you are handy and want to build your own nestbox and lifter, refer to the plans and web links below. If you do not have the time or desire to build your own equipment—no problem. We will help you get outfitted.
Nestboxes are made of wood and have a 9-gauge wire hook securely attached to the back and top. The large loop allows you to easily and safely hang the nestbox in the outer limbs of mature trees.
The Purvis lifter consists of two parts, a telescoping pole and a lifter made out of PVC and a wood box, plastic bucket, or wire cage. The lifter slides into the end of the pool pole. This allows you to place your nestbox in the lifter and extend the pole to the necessary height to hang your nestbox. Typically, you will hang your nestbox 12-15’ above the ground. We have created a brochure that describes the Purvis Nestbox System. Click here for a PDF copy.
Finally, you will need to keep written records of your nestbox activity. Why? Two reasons. First, it will help you remember important things such as the location of your nestboxes, and important dates and times such as when a nest is discovered and when a brood has hatched. Secondly, you need to report your nestbox activity to the California Bluebird Recovery Program (CBRP) at the end of each season. This is the only way we can track the progress of our bluebird recovery activities across the State of California.
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Do you want to learn more about bluebirds? There are two books we encourage you to add to your library.
The Bluebird Monitor’s Guide is a “must have” for your library. (ISBN 06-273743-0) Co-Published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the North American Bluebird Society (NABS), this book is full of information about bluebirds and other cavity nesters. There are hundreds of full color photographs and the photography is superb. The book is divided into five sections. The first section is an introduction to bluebirds and describes how to attract them. Section 2 explains the importance of monitoring and provides excellent tips including nesting timelines. Section 3 describes nestbox trails and how to create and monitor them. There is even a section on an avid bluebirder from Yorba Linda, Linda Violett, and a photo of Linda with her ‘two-holed’ mansion box and a Purvis lifter. Section 4 contains lots of advice and explains what to do when problems arise. Section 5 explores nestboxes and hardware. Dick Purvis contributed to this book and he is mentioned in several places. You can purchase the book at http://www.amazon.com. The Bluebird Book—The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds is a terrific guide with incredible photographs. Although the book focuses on the Eastern Bluebird, there is a lot of information that is relevant here in the West. Written by Donald and Lillian Stokes, of Maine, the beauty of the photographs is worth the price alone. You can also purchase this book from http://www.amazon.com. |
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Required Reading |
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Nestbox Plans |
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If you would like to build your own nestbox, we can help. We have assembled three documents to help get you started. Click on the links below to download the documents. |
