Building Bluebird Boxes at the Richland Public Library

Stratton Bond, from Keokuk County Conservation, led 13 Richland Public Library participants in building bluebird boxes Saturday, Jan. 21. After talking about bluebirds in Iowa, Bond distributed the precut wood and nails. Soon the busy (and loud) sound of hammers filled the room. While the boxes proved a little trickier than expected, everyone successfully finished their project.

These boxes were specifically designed to comfortably house bluebirds and to keep them safe from predators such as raccoons and starlings. Bluebirds are cavity nesters; they look for natural tree cavities or cavities made by other birds to build their nests in. While a few bluebirds will winter in Iowa, most head south for the winter. Upon their return in the spring, bluebirds coming to the Richland area will surely be pleased to find these nesting boxes ready for use!