MBTCS News & Updates
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?
Get your nest boxes ready!
Winter’s chill might still linger, but Mountain Bluebirds will be arriving in Southern Alberta as early as the first week of March. Make sure your nest boxes are cleaned, repaired, and ready by the start of March for these bright arrivals.
We are seeking community leaders to join our Board of Directors
Are you an active community leader who wants to support the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society? We want you!
Support for Mountain Bluebirds reaches remarkable heights
The Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) achieved a recent record year of donations in 2024, raising over $3,500 to its mission of conserving and protecting Mountain Bluebirds and their cavity-nesting habitats across Southern Alberta. This milestone is especially meaningful as the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary.
MBTCS Website Year in Review - 2024
MBTCS’s 2024 website soared with a 36% traffic boost. Our top articles showcased Mountain Bluebird migration, nest box building, and volunteer resources; pus we engaged readers across North America! Read more about how our website helps to support Mountain Bluebirds conservation by sharing tips and connecting our community through insights for an impactful 2025!
Lethbridge Christmas Bird Count 2024: A look at our local winter birds
The Lethbridge Christmas Bird Count 2024 brought together 80 dedicated participants who tallied an impressive 55 bird species and 31,020 individual birds across the city and surrounding areas. Highlights included new records for Western Meadowlark, American Dipper, and Northern Saw-whet Owl, along with high counts for Mallards, Downy Woodpeckers, and Northern Shrikes.
Embracing NestWatch: enhancing Mountain Bluebird conservation
Discover how the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) is enhancing conservation efforts for Mountain Bluebirds by integrating the NestWatch app into trail monitoring—empowering trail monitors and bird enthusiasts alike.
MBTCS Executive Meeting update
On September 16, 2024, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) Executive Committee gathered for their latest meeting, with important updates and decisions shaping the future of our efforts to protect and nurture bluebird populations.
Wrapping up 2024: Nesting season insights from Trail Monitors' Annual Reports
As the 2024 nesting season concludes, we extend our gratitude to all monitors who have submitted their annual reports. Please remember to clean your nest boxes and send any changes in your monitoring status or contact information to Trail Master by the end of September.
Spring Surprises: Trail Monitors share late spring observations
The spring weather and its effects have sparked a lively conversation among our board members, and we're excited to share these observations with you. We also invite you to share your perspective to help us understand spring’s impact on local bird populations.
CBC walks Nest Box Trail with MBTCS President Jim Leitch
On May 31, Ose Irete, CBC Journalist, took a walk with Jim Leitch, MBTCS President, on his Mountain Bluebird Nest Box Trail near Lethbridge. Take a look at the video for an understanding of what to expect when you become a Trail Monitor.
Discovering the wonders of nature at MBTCS’ spring orientation
Our spring orientation was a tremendous success, providing both educational value and an unforgettable wildlife experience. The day offered new members a firsthand opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of local wildlife, with a special focus on the cherished bluebirds that our society is dedicated to protecting.