Many of the Georgians that provide eastern bluebird with nesting boxes are wondering how the large amount of rain and days and days of warm weather we have seen this year might affect the bird’s nesting efforts. Well, it just so happens that studies conducted by researchers in Ohio just might help answer this question.
The biologists wanted to know if climate change is affecting the first-egg-laying date of bluebirds nesting in the Buckeye State. Their efforts to determine whether or not it does involve analyzing 4,417 nest records submitted to Cornell University’s NestWatch Project submitted from 2000 and 2015 from the state of Ohio.
The researchers learned that bluebirds appeared to nest earlier during warmer springs. However, the birds seem to lay their eggs later when Ohio experiences wetter springs.
The researchers caution that there is much more to learn about the eastern bluebirds first egg-laying-dates. For example, it is possible insect abundance might affect timing of nesting efforts.
Since the nesting season for bluebirds breeding in the Peach State begins in late February and early March, it will be interesting to see to see whether or not bluebirds nesting in Georgia.
If you want to help advance our knowledge of the nesting habits of bluebirds and other birds, become a participant in the NestWatch Program. For more information, all you have to do is google BirdWatch for all the details.
