In addition to opening a brand-new “destination playground” this summer at Murrysville Community Park, municipal recreation officials will also continue the park’s annual slate of summer nature programming.

On June 8 at 10 a.m., Dr. Wilma Light will host a presentation on bluebirds. She is a member of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania, which promotes educational activities, conservation, monitoring and research on bluebirds, along with building and maintaining bluebird boxes.

Light recently spoke with the Star about the colorful birds.

Q: What can a typical homeowner do to help foster local bluebird populations?

A: Provide habitat. In the past bluebirds nested in hollow trees which are in short supply. Adding a nest box can help. Bluebirds like open grassy fields either mowed on low-growing, widely scattered trees, berry-producing shrubs and vines, snags (hollow trees), perches in the form of trees, shrubs, utility poles, or fence posts.

Q: What is the best way to maintain bluebird habitat?

A: A nest box should be monitored. Once a week is recommended, to check for nests, eggs and what birds may be using the box. Once babies hatch, we do not recommend checking the box for about 14 to 21 days afterwards, to not cause early fledging. If I hear a lot of chirping I do not check that week.

After the fledging time has passed, I do check the box as the old nest should be removed and the box swept out. If house sparrows attempt to use the house, they need to be dealt with, I remove the nest, as they will attack and destroy bluebirds and other native birds. If we check a box and a bird is on the nest, I just close up the box and do not disturb the bird or possible babies. Planting shrubs that produce fruit such as hollies and other native shrubs can help. Supplemental feeding with meal worms can also help.

Q: Do bluebirds migrate or do they stay in the area?

A: Bluebirds do not migrate very far according to what I have read and there are many reports of bluebirds staying in our area. To help, the nest box could be made warmer by temporarily covering the venting holes.

Supplemental feeding such as meal worms or bluebird banquet mixes such as ones with suet, peanut butter, cracked seeds, currents will be needed since insects are not readily available. A heated bird bath for water source will be needed or a source of shallow water that naturally occurs.

Light’s presentation is at the MCP wetlands area, 4056 Wiestertown Road, Murrysville.

For more, see MurrysvillePArecreation.com.

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