Joe Michielsen receives 2026 Blue Feather Award
The Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) is proud to congratulate longtime volunteer and director Joe Michielsen, who was recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Blue Feather Award at the Ellis Nature Centre’s Bluebird Festival on July 11.
Formerly known as Ellis Bird Farm, the Ellis Nature Centre presents the Blue Feather Award annually to an Alberta bluebird trail operator who has made a significant contribution to bluebird conservation.
Joe was recognized during a presentation by Ellis Nature Centre board member Ron Bjorge, a former colleague of Joe’s. As part of the ceremony, an MBTCS nest box was added to the Centre’s recipient fence, joining those recognizing past award recipients and other dedicated Alberta bluebird conservationists.
For 25 years, Joe has monitored several trails, including the Skull Springs Trail near Coaldale. Since taking responsibility for the trail in 2001, he has expanded it from 22 to 38 nest boxes. His careful monitoring, thoughtful nest box placement and data-informed approach have helped 1,475 Mountain Bluebirds successfully fledge from this trail alone.
Joe’s contributions extend well beyond his own trails. As an MBTCS director and data compiler, he supports volunteers across southern Alberta by encouraging consistent monitoring, collecting annual results and helping the Society understand the long-term impact of its conservation work.
The Blue Feather Award is a fitting recognition of Joe’s sustained commitment to Mountain Bluebirds, citizen science and community-led conservation.
Congratulations, Joe, and thank you for everything you continue to do for Mountain Bluebirds and MBTCS.