The Bluebird Monitor's Guide to Bluebirds and Other Small Cavity Nesters (Paperback)

~ Jack Griggs (Author), (Author), Keith Kridler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

BLUEBIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD!

From coast to coast, in every state and province across North America, homeowners can attract bluebirds to their backyards and nearby open areas to nest. In this book, a select group of "bluebird monitors" reveal how it's done: how you can attract bluebirds and, once they begin nesting in your backyard, how you can help ensure that nestlings develop and fledge successfully.

Rural yards, suburban yards, even some small city yards can host bluebirds. And yards that don't suit bluebirds may attract chickadees, tree swallows, or one of the other bird species that nest in boxes. This book includes information on all 10 of the cavity-nesting birds most often reported to The Birdhouse Network of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The experts who offer advice in this book are affiliated with the North American Bluebird Society or are participants in The Birdhouse Network of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Some of the contributors monitor hundreds of boxes and have fledged thousands of bluebirds; others monitor only a few backyard boxes but have learned many of the secrets of bluebird behavior by observing them closely and continuously.

About the Author

Jack Griggs is the author of the bestselling All the Birds of North America and the creator of the Cornell Bird Library series. He lives in South Haven, Michigan.

Margaret A. Barker was the coordinator of Project FeederWatch for six years. She lives in Freeville, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 1 edition (November 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062737430
• ISBN-13: 978-0062737434
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,291 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book for Bluebird nest box monitors!, July 28, 2002

By	Bill Darnell (Savannah, TN USA) - See all my reviews

The Bluebirding world has waited a long time for this book. If you just have one Bluebird nest box in the yard, or hundreds covering miles of territory, this book is a must have. Profusely illustrated with color photos.

The authors of this book did not create a "coffee table" book; they created a work that will guide you through your day to day problems with predators, such as snakes, raccoons, house sparrows, and starlings.

I am a Bluebirder with years of experience, and I learned a lot and keep learning from the book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for beginner and a great reference!, December 27, 2005

By	J. Muench (NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm completely new to bluebirding, but got hooked when I saw 3 bluebirds at my heated birdbath. I started researching on-line, but there was too much information--I couldn't keep track of nestbox requirements versus great suet recipes. I had so many bookmarks, and read so much information, that I didn't quite know where to start! I ordered this book last week and have read it cover to cover already, taken notes, purchased 2 NABS (North American Bluebird Society) approved bluebird houses, and feel confident--after having read this book--that the bluebirds and I will have a good start.

The book covers the whole process of nestbox placement, maintenance, responsibilities of setting up one or more nestboxes, bluebird behavior, other birds' behavior (who might use your boxes), predator issues and control, feeding and diet, mealworms, nestbox styles, and the whole lifecycle process from birds selecting a box to babies flying into the big new world.

I especially like the format of this book. Instead of being textbook style (there are enough excellent reference sections), it features short biographies of many folks all around the U.S. who got into bluebirding for one reason or another, admit to mistakes they made (so we don't make them too), offer their tips and tricks (which can be regional or personal or just plain handy), and each bring different perspectives. I really took a lot away from this book, just from reading everyone's personal experiences, learned by their example of how they do what they do, and was completely touched by their dedication to helping bluebirds continue to survive.

If you have ever considered putting up a bluebird nestbox and are not sure where to start, try starting with this book. The Bluebird Monitor's Guide has plenty of reference information and solid personal experience to guide you--without being overwhelming. Putting up a bluebird nestbox is a commitment I feel much more comfortable making now after having read this book, and hopefully you will too!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BLUEBIRD MONITOR'S GUIDE, December 27, 2001

By A Customer

THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A BLUEBIRD TRAIL OR IS CONSIDERING STARTING ONE IT HAS PARTICAL INFORMATION FROM THOSE WHO HAVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE RUNNING A BLUEBIRD TRAIL ALL PHOTOS ARE IN COLOR AND THE BOOK COVERS ALL SUBJECTS CONCERNING BLUEBIRDS THE BEST BOOK ON BLUEBIRD TRAILS