Maynard Biodiversity Talks: Bluebirds

Ray Van Vorse has been instrumental in increasing the bluebird population in this area since 1962. His dedication to providing habitat for bluebirds in Maynard, Acton, and Concord has inspired many others to follow in his footsteps and continue his work. Now 95, he has slowed down a bit but is still actively managing the bluebird boxes in his Maynard riverside garden and keeping in touch with his helpers, including John Calabria, who joined me in interviewing Ray in the video below. You can also read more about Ray in this article from 2020 by Barbara Allen. (Find more resources on building and monitoring your own bluebird box below.)

Building and Monitoring Your Own Bluebird Box

Ray and John provided plans below for building your own nest box.

The North American Bluebird Society (NABS) says it's very important that bluebird nest boxes be actively monitored (checked) at least once a week. “A box that is not monitored may do more harm to bluebirds than good. Monitoring increases the chances of success for bluebirds using the box. When good records are kept, it is also valuable for determining population trends.” Learn how to monitor your bluebird nest box.