They’re back! Mountain Bluebirds return to Southern Alberta
Southern Alberta bird enthusiasts are celebrating the first Mountain Bluebird sightings of the season.
Myrna Pearman reported the earliest sightings of two individuals southwest of Olds: a male on February 23, 2025 and a female on March 6. These two showed up earlier than usual, with most Mountain Bluebirds expected around the middle of March.
Sure enough, on March 15, 2025, avid birder Diana Zasadny spotted a flock of Mountain Bluebirds near Pass Creek at Waterton Lakes National Park, reported via the Alberta Birds Facebook page. The excitement continued on March 16, when Trevor Churchill noted further sightings at the Rotary/Mattamy Wetlands on his eBird checklist.
Mountain Bluebird Trail Conservation Society (MBTCS) reminds Trail Monitors to prepare their nest boxes now to support the Mountain Bluebirds nesting process.
If boxes are not ready in time, there is a risk of missing this year’s nesting window. Ensure that each nest box has a secure roof and floor, is clean, dry, and positioned for the best chance of occupancy by returning bluebirds.
Be sure to explore our Essential Information for Trail Monitors page, including best practices for Mountain Bluebird nest box setup and maintenance.
Have you sighted any bluebirds in southern Alberta? Share your photos and experiences with us for a chance to be featured on our website.
Finally, mark your calendars for the MBTCS Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.