Redbud Audubon pairs with Lake County Land Trust
to construct a Bluebird Trail in Lake County
Have you ever noticed a tree with a hole or cavity, dead branches, or even a dead tree and thought, “Time to call an arborist?” Before the saw comes out, think about how important these trees are for wildlife. What often appears to us to be a defect in a tree may actually be shelter for a bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian. Tree cavities create safe places for sleeping, raising young, and protection from predators. Dead limbs and trees are often where birds search for insects, as well as excellent structures for woodpeckers to excavate their next nesting cavity.
The Redbud Audubon Society is pairing with the Lake County Land Trust to create and expand an official California Bluebird Trail. Donna Mackiewicz, Redbud Audubon’s vice-president, along with her husband Richard, monitors and installs nest boxes at two of the Land Trust’s preserves: Rodman Preserve and the Wright Wetland Preserve. Tree Swallows, Western Bluebirds and Ash-throated Flycatchers are using the boxes. Donna is the Program Coordinator for Lake County for the California bluebird Recovery Program.
Currently, the nest boxes have been a success and are in use by the three species mentioned above.
