Even the most casual observers of birds will agree that eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are a common sight in the SCBG throughout the year. Our various grasslands and open woodlands are ideal habitats for these birds who forage on the ground for a variety of insects (caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, etc.) and spiders for most of the year. In the colder months, bluebirds eat large amounts of fruit from plants like black cherry (Prunus serotina), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), hackberries (Celtis spp), sumac (Rhus spp) and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Photo: Imtiaz Haque
Eastern bluebirds use cavities in both live and dead trees to build their nests and readily use nest boxes. SCBG staff began repairing and improving our existing nest boxes when we had the opportunity to partner with the South Carolina Bluebird Society (SCBS). In February of this year, we installed 7 bluebird boxes and received training on weekly monitoring of these boxes which began in March. We plan to install at least 5 more bluebird boxes this year, as well as nest boxes for great crested flycatchers and eastern screech owls. The bluebird boxes are located along both sides of the Garden’s main entrance road and near the rock restroom.
James Wilkins (SCBG) and Ron Brenneman (SCBS) install a bluebird box
While eastern bluebird populations in our region are generally considered stable, they have historically (and currently) faced significant threats. Chief among these threats are habitat loss and nest site competition from the non-native European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus). At the SCBG, we are committed to excellence in natural resource stewardship and habitat management. With the addition of appropriate nest boxes, we expect to help these beautiful songbirds flourish and to see many baby bluebirds soon. As of March 21, these boxes already have four partial bluebird nests (one nearly complete) and one partial chickadee nest.
~ James Wilkins, Education and Resource Coordinator
For more information about the SCBG bluebird boxes and our monitoring activities contact James Wilkins jhwilki@clemson.edu
The South Carolina Bluebird Society is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization established in Aiken on October 19, 2010, and is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society (NABS). SCBS has currently installed and is monitoring over 1,800 bluebird, wood duck, screech owl, and kestrel nestboxes on over 100 trails across South Carolina, North Carolina and East Georgia.
More Bird News
We recently relocated our bird feeding stations. The new area is surrounded by trees which provide shelter and a place for bird to survey the area for safety. The old comfort station makes an excellent place for observation. The old birdwatching area is under renovation and will become a sensory garden.
