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Science and Stewardship Spotlight
NEW HOMES FOR WESTERN BLUEBIRDS
IRC helps Laguna Hills High School Students Place Nest Boxes
In Augustine Staging Area On January 17, staff from Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s (IRC) Science and Stewardship department accompanied several students from Laguna Hills High School to place nest boxes for the western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) near Augustine Staging Area. The bluebird is not officially rare, but it is disappearing from many areas at a fast pace. This species normally nests in existing tree cavities. The students built the nest boxes in woodshop class and had the design specifications approved by the Southern California Bluebird Club http://www.socalbluebirds.org. The nest boxes were hung and mounted on trees in and around the Augustine staging area. “This project will be a good experience for these students, because not only have they built the nest boxes, but they will also get hands on field experience, which is very limited in schools,” says Susan Anon, Field Ecologist, Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “The students are getting a multi-disciplinary, educational experience in woodshop, science, and natural resource management. The western bluebird will benefit from the availability of these boxes in which to build its nest since it generally relies on existing tree cavities or holes that are at times difficult to come by.” The students will monitor the nest boxes in the spring, summer, and fall (March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, and October 17) and do observational studies. Nest boxes will be cleaned out after each brood has fledged. An IRC staff member or volunteer will accompany the students and teachers each time they go out on the land to monitor. The Nest boxes were placed at least 15 feet above the ground and approximately 300 feet apart to accommodate individual western bluebird territories. “This project has grown in interest and enthusiasm,” says Tom Williams, woodshop and construction teacher, Laguna Hills High School. “It started with the woodshop students making the nest boxes, the art students developing the color scheme so they blend with the surrounding natural environment, the construction students taking part in mounting the boxes and the biology students will monitor the boxes through fall. It’s become a collaboration between various departments within our school. It’s truly exciting for everyone.” IRC is engaged in a wide array of stewardship and restoration activities on The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and this is just one example of the various projects that help in the preservation of this magnificent landscape including the many special species that exist within it. To learn more about IRC’s Science and Stewardship programs visit, http://www.irvineranchconservancy.org/stewardship/science.aspx. If you’d like to volunteer or register for a free program visit http://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/default.asp.
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