Time to submit your data for the season
As the harvest season begins, it’s also time for another important kind of harvest — collecting the results of this year’s monitoring activity on the bluebird trail.
Each fall, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) compiles data from every nest box to better understand how bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species are faring across southern Alberta.
Why Your Data Matters
Every visit to a nest box adds up to a bigger picture of conservation success. By reporting your findings, you help us answer important questions:
How many pairs successfully nested this season?
How many young fledged from monitored boxes?
What trends are we seeing in bluebird populations year after year?
This information guides decisions on nest box placement, maintenance, and habitat stewardship. It also allows us to share accurate, science-based updates with landowners, conservation partners, and the broader public.
How to Report
To make it easy, we’ve provided both PDF and Excel versions of the 2025 Monitoring Data Sheet. Simply download and complete one, then return it to Joe Michielsen, who will compile and tally the results.
If you need help filling out the sheet or have questions about the reporting process, please reach out to us. Your accuracy and attention to detail are appreciated — every number helps tell the story of the breeding season.
If there are any changes to your volunteering as a Monitor with MBTCS, please let Steven Shumborski know. Keeping our records current ensures every nest box remains in good condition and has a responsible Monitor assigned. This coordination is critical for the long-term health of our trails and the birds that depend on them.
We are grateful for your continued commitment to bluebird conservation. Whether you monitor one box or an entire trail, your efforts make a difference. Each observation you record helps strengthen our collective understanding of these remarkable birds and ensures that future generations can enjoy their presence across the prairies.
Together, we’re building a legacy of stewardship and science. Thank you for helping us carry it forward.
