Nestbox Monitoring Protocol

We monitor to:

• Check on the progress and health of nests and nestlings
• Record observational data
• Be able to remove house sparrows before they reproduce
• Watch for signs of vandalism, parasite infestation and/or predation
• Send recorded data to state and national organizations

Monitoring Protocol

1. All boxes will be erected on poles, using predator guards on the poles for snakes, and wire noel guards on the boxes to discourage cats, raccoons and squirrels. No perch will be put on the outside of the box. These only enable predators to have easier access to the chicks and eggs.
2. All boxes will be inspected prior to the nesting season and the boxes will be cleaned and/or repaired as necessary.
3. Boxes will be monitored once per week during the period of April through August.
4. If you are monitoring a bluebird trail with other monitors, monitoring will occur during the same three-day period each week (i.e. Sat/Sun/Mon).
5. Boxes will be inspected to record the following information:
   • Species
   • Stage of nest construction
   • Nesting materials used
   • Number of eggs
   • Estimated hatch date
   • Number and estimated age of hatchlings
   • Number of fledglings
   • Estimated fledge date
   • Type of predation
6. After the young fledge, the box will be cleaned out in preparation for the next nesting attempt.
7. Each fall boxes will be winterized for use by birds as winter shelters.

Download the Bluebird Nesting Guide