Great Results from Bluebird Nest Box Program
Gene Kroupa explains how to install a bluebird nest box to Richard & Joann Laufenberg, of Mt. Horeb (Photo by Gene Kroupa)
DALC’s joint bluebird nest box program with the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) wrapped up its second year on a high note.
This past year’s reporting recipients fledged 387 bluebirds, while the 2024 group added another 268 for a total of 655 from their free nest boxes. Plus, 331 cavity nesters, including Black-Capped Chickadees, Tree Swallows and House Wrens, also fledged from their nest boxes, for a grand total of 986. WOW!
“In 2025, we distributed 160 free nest boxes, plus mounting poles and predator guards,” said Gene Kroupa, program director for BRAW. Most recipients picked them up at sites, such as the Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Center near Dodgeville, and received a brief orientation, plus informational materials. Funding came from the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin and BRAW members.
A bluebird pair settles into its new home supplied by BRAW (Photo by Pat Ready)
To qualify, recipients had to have suitable habitat on their properties, plus agree to maintain and monitor the nest boxes throughout the season. Then they were asked to send in a summary report at season’s end about the nesting results to BRAW.
“We were impressed with how easy it was to work with BRAW and help Driftless landowners host bluebirds,” said Executive Director Jennifer Filipiak.
For more information about BRAW and attracting bluebirds, go to www.braw.org.