MBTCS News & Updates
Mountain Bluebird Eggs - a new movie from Rick Andrews
Discover the hidden life of Mountain Bluebirds in a new wildlife video by Rick Andrews. Featuring nest-camera footage and illustrations by Beth Porter, the film follows a bluebird pair through courtship, nest building, egg laying, incubation and hatching.
Joe Michielsen receives 2026 Blue Feather Award
Longtime MBTCS volunteer and director Joe Michielsen has received the 2026 Blue Feather Award from the Ellis Nature Centre, recognizing his 25 years of dedicated bluebird trail monitoring and conservation work.
Another successful orientation day!
Participants joined MBTCS for a June Trail Orientation Day, observing Mountain Bluebirds at several stages of development while learning about the resilience of these remarkable birds.
President’s Spring Report
MBTCS President Jim Leitch looks ahead to the 2026 bluebird season following the early return of Mountain Bluebirds to southern Alberta. He thanks trail monitors and volunteers, highlights the March AGM and guest speaker David Scott, celebrates a $3,720 Community Foundation grant for new nest boxes, and invites the public to a June 6 Trail Orientation in Lethbridge.
Bluebirds have returned for another nesting season
The first Mountain Bluebird of the season has been spotted in the coulee behind the college as volunteers begin preparing nest boxes for spring. Early arrivals highlight the importance of having clean and properly installed boxes ready before nesting begins.
MBTCS volunteer recognized in Nature Alberta Magazine
MBTCS volunteer Joe Michielsen is featured in the Winter 2026 edition of Nature Alberta magazine for his 25 years of stewardship on the Skull Springs bluebird trail. His long-term monitoring and maintenance efforts have helped 1,475+ Mountain Bluebirds successfully fledge in Southern Alberta.
180 new Mountain Bluebird nest boxes ready for installation in Southern Alberta
With support from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society has completed 180 new nest boxes for installation across Southern Alberta. Built by volunteer Doug Friebel with assistance from Rick Williams, the boxes will be placed on local bluebird trails ahead of the spring nesting season to help support mountain bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds.
First CFLSA-funded nest boxes installed at Twin Butte
The first Mountain Bluebird nest boxes funded through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta have been installed near Twin Butte. Volunteers are placing the initial group of 45 boxes along Spread Eagle Road ahead of the spring return of bluebirds to support nesting across Southern Alberta.
Grant supports new Mountain Bluebird nest boxes in Southern Alberta
MBTCS has received grant funding from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta to support new nest box construction and installation across Southern Alberta bluebird trails.
Bluebirds on the fenceline in Lethbridge County
Northeast of Coaldale, the Skull Springs Trail is a living legacy. Joe Michielsen’s 25 years of care fledged 1,400+ bluebirds, showing how nest boxes restore habitat and inspire stewardship.
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Preparing your nest boxes for winter
As the bluebird nesting season ends, fall is the perfect time to prepare nest boxes for winter. Learn how simple maintenance steps—cleaning, repairs, and pest prevention—help ensure healthy habitats for Mountain Bluebirds next spring. Share your own photos and best practices with MBTCS!
Are Mountain Bluebird populations declining?
Yes, most long-term datasets show Mountain Bluebird population declines. But are population numbers truly changing - or are we just getting better at noticing them? Recent data from eBird, NestWatch and Breeding Bird Surveys suggest significant changes. Explore current research, habitat concerns and how citizen scientists are helping track trends - discover what we know, what we don’t and how you can get involved!
Time to submit your data for the season
It’s time to submit your 2025 Mountain Bluebird monitoring data. Each nest box report helps track bluebird populations, guide habitat management, and support conservation in southern Alberta. Download the PDF or Excel data sheet, complete it, and return to Joe Michielsen. Volunteer updates can be shared with Steven Shumborski.
Moments on the Trail: A call for photo submissions
Photography plays a powerful role in bluebird conservation. Thanks to the stunning contributions of photographer Martin Hensel, our gallery at bluebirdtrails.org/photos continues to grow. Share your own photos of Mountain Bluebirds, prairie wildlife, and nest box activity to inspire others and support conservation in southern Alberta.
Nature on my Bluebird Trail... plus Black Bear momma and cubs!
MBTCS member Sherri Bohnert enjoyed a memorable day on the Bluebird Trail, capturing both bluebird activity and unexpected wildlife. Her visit featured fledging Mountain Bluebirds, butterflies, wildflowers and even a black bear with three cubs. Sherri’s photos highlight how each trail walk offers new surprises and a reminder to be thankful for nature’s gifts.
Great orientation day!
It was another successful Orientation Day for the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society. President, Jim Leitch, introduced twelve Mountain Bluebird enthusiasts to the workings of a Bluebird Trail. Once again we were treated to not just the beautiful Mountain Bluebirds, but other varieties of birds such as tree swallows, violet-green swallows, a belted kingfisher, a bald eagle and many others.
A mouse in the house!
Trail Monitor Joe Michielsen shares lessons from finding deer mice in nest boxes. Early spring checks are vital for safe cleaning, preventing disease, and ensuring bluebirds have nesting sites ready each season.
President’s spring report
MBTCS President Jim Leitch welcomes spring with optimism for the 2025 bluebird season. He thanks volunteers, celebrates the Society’s 30th anniversary as a Canadian charity, and invites the public to a June 7 Trail Orientation in Lethbridge.
They’re back! Mountain Bluebirds return to Southern Alberta
Mountain Bluebirds have officially returned to Southern Alberta, with the first sightings reported in Waterton Lakes National Park, Olds, and Calgary. Are your nest boxes ready for nesting season?