President’s spring report

Here we are with high expectations of another nesting season where we get to enjoy this beautiful time of year with our wonderful, feathered friends and especially of course the mountain bluebird. With our nest boxes cleaned out and ready, the returning bluebirds will begin their annual process of pairing off, choosing a nest box and raising a new family(s) of young bluebirds.

Spring is here even though I write this while it gently snows. We know it won't last. The spring nesting season will prevail as usual. We had some early sightings of bluebirds in late Feb and early March this year in the province, but this is the exception as most bluebirds don't return to southern Alberta until late March and April.

Like in previous years I will be pleased to host a half day Trail Orientation session on Saturday June 7, 2025 on my trail in west Lethbridge for all those interested in learning more about what's involved in becoming a Trail Monitor. The day is also for anyone in the public interested in observing the various developmental stages of the mountain bluebird and of course other protected bird species and nature in general. Please visit our website at bluebirdtrails.org to register for this event. The group will be limited to 12 people, but other days will be arranged if there is additional interest.

We recently held our 2024 AGM on March 22, 2025, at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. It was a full and informative half day with a couple excellent special speakers sharing their specific areas of interest related to the environment and nature. The rest of the day was all things bluebirds. This year we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate our 30th anniversary as a Canadian charity, on the heels of course of celebrating our 50th anniversary last year as the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society.

I would like to give a huge shout out to our secretary Barb Glen, who has stepped back from this role after 10 years of faithful service to our group, doing the minutes and producing a first class bi-annual Newsletter. Thank you, Barb!

Also thank you to Connie Chaplin who allowed her name to stand as our new secretary.

I would also like to recognize the existing executive board members for their contributions throughout the year, which allows us to continue to do this important work on behalf of the mountain bluebird here in southern Alberta.

As well, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge and give thanks to all our valued Trail Monitors who faithfully commit to ensuring that the mountain bluebird populations continue to thrive well into the future.

- Jim Leitch, President, MBTCS