Restore Saint Paul: Como Park Bluebird Trail Update: June 10th, 2015

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Como Park Bluebird Trail Update: June 10th, 2015

Post contributed by Sharon, volunteer bluebird trail monitor:

Tree swallow poking its head out!

Bluebird nesting round two is well underway this week, with a new second nest built, and five more eggs laid in two other nests for a total of seven bluebird eggs on the trail today. In another box, still working on nesting round one, the female bluebird again stayed put on her nest, likely still incubating five eggs.

Tree swallows are incubating about eighteen eggs (probably) in three boxes (one female stays put on the nest making it impossible to count the eggs). Another tree swallow nest may have six hatchlings in it, but with all the feathers, I am unable to tell for sure.

The six or seven chickadees will soon fledge so I did not open their box today. The house sparrows did not give up yet—I removed another nest today. There is still one unused box on the trail.

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.