Restore Saint Paul: Como Park Bluebird Trail update: May 25th

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Como Park Bluebird Trail update: May 25th

Post contributed by Sharon, volunteer Bluebird Trail monitor:

Four tree swallow eggs

Three bluebird eggs

The four boxes occupied by bluebirds contain a total of seventeen eggs today. Chickadees are in two boxes and have laid at least five eggs. When I opened one box, an egg was so near the edge of the nest it almost toppled out. Tree swallows have taken two boxes; one has four white eggs in it. Two boxes have small amounts of nesting material inside. A house wren was singing by the last box, and had put a few sticks inside. Wrens will put sticks into several nest options and the female will choose which one she likes best, then build a nest in it.

Contributing Authors

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation--Natural Resources Division:

It would be impossible for us to maintain and improve Saint Paul's natural areas to the high standards that we are used to without the coordinated efforts of our many partner organizations and volunteers. In addition to Saint Paul's Natural Resources employees, the following groups will be contributing to the content of this blog as they work hard to keep Saint Paul "the most livable city in America."

Conservation Corps of Minnesota:

The Conservation Corps provides meaningful work for young people in conserving energy, managing natural resources, responding to disasters and leading volunteers. Not only do they provide training in resource management, safety, job-readiness and technical skills, they help young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental stewardship. CCM has been a valuable partner in maintaining Saint Paul Parks natural areas for years.

Eco Ranger Acadamy:

The Environmental Services EcoRanger Academy is an educational summer job program for youth interested in plants, wildlife and the natural environment. Youth work throughout the City in forests, lakes and prairies on restoration projects. They perform tasks such as invasive species removal, planting and mulching. The program covers plant anatomy and identification, trees, entomology, water, soils and ecology. Youth that successfully complete the summer program graduate with a certificate and references from their crew leaders.