Restore Saint Paul: Como Park Bluebird Trail Update: May 2, 2017

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Como Park Bluebird Trail Update: May 2, 2017

Post contributed by Sharon, volunteer bluebird trail monitor:

The first bluebird eggs of the season.

On the trail today there are two bluebird nests, one with three eggs and the other with one. Tree swallows seem interested in several boxes, but haven’t yet started building any nests. Chickadees started a nest in one box, but may have been stopped from finishing it by tree swallows, even though last week I installed a chickadee entrance hole guard (at 1-1/4” the opening is too small for other birds like tree swallows). Things are off to a slow start this year.

Tree swallows seem to have claimed this box.

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.