Bluebirds Found

By Phyllis Mansfield

In October of 2002, I wrote an article in the Limpkin concluding that there was a very low to non-existent eastern bluebird population in Brevard County. It was inevitable that this statement would provide sufficient encouragement for someone to discover Eastern Bluebirds. That someone was Jason Frederick, who spotted the birds on a ranch close to his home. Many phone calls and e-mail messages from Jason followed, with the exciting news of the happenings of the bluebirds. The question remained, are they over-wintering birds or do we have possibilities for nesting?

Because we were hoping for nesting, Howard and I went to Kempfer Ranch and took down the nest boxes that had not ever been used by nesting birds. We cleaned and refurbished them, providing Jason with recycled nest boxes for his “trail.”

I was out of the state in April and May, and loved watching mountain and western bluebirds (in part) but was excited to read the frequent updates from Jason via e-mail on the status of his eastern bluebirds. It was thrilling to know that two nests were constructed and eggs laid. Jason also reported a rescue from an invasion of fire ants; ultimately most of the birds fledged

Great job, Jason!