A dozen bluebirds

Photo taken by Ralph Richardson

Spring is just around the corner — the arrival of the Eastern Bluebird proves it!

The Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialia is a native species to Bermuda — the only location outside North America where this species breeds.

Before man first settled in 1609, forest growth dominated the landscape. Bluebirds fed on coastal grasslands, nesting in old cedars and cliff cavities. However, in the last 50 years, the bluebirds have been pressured to find suitable nest-sites.

But with the help of the Bermuda Audubon Society great efforts have been made to halt the decline in bluebird numbers. Efforts have been made to educate the public and hundreds of bluebird nestboxes have been erected around Bermuda.

The current population of bluebirds in Bermuda is estimated to be about 500. The bluebird is now totally dependent on artificial nestboxes for breeding success and its survival in Bermuda can only be guaranteed with human help.

Have you seen bluebirds during a stay at The Reefs?