The Sea Pines Bluebird Project Benefits Birds
- Karen Marts
- Jun 20, 2019
- 21 min read
The Sea Pines Bluebird Project Benefits Birds
My name is Karen Marts, and I have been on an extraordinary journey that has changed my life. Eight years ago I attended a lecture on vultures, sponsored by the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society. The meeting was at the Coastal Discovery Museum, located at Honey Horn Plantation. Prior to the program, a young man, who was with Life Scout in Troop 245, spoke about his Eagle Scout Project. The Sea Pines Bluebird Project would provide Eastern Bluebirds 60 nest boxes. Historically the lack of nesting cavities nationwide has resulted in a severe decline of all 3 species of Bluebirds, which includes the Mountain Bluebird and the Western Bluebird. The Life Scout located, repaired, and replaced 60 Bluebird nest boxes, over a period of 6 months. He built 15 extra boxes for replacements, and set up a GPS monitoring system. A Bluebird Webcam was about to be launched, which would allow the public to follow the courtship of a mated pair of Bluebirds. It would record nest building, egg laying, incubation, feeding of the nestlings, and eventually fledging. The project required 6 volunteers to monitor the boxes over a 6 month time period. Every 2 weeks, the monitors would inspect the nest boxes, make notes on nesting material, number of eggs, and number of occupants. They would also assist the success of the Eastern Bluebirds by keeping away competitors, such as the non-native House Sparrows and European Starlings, introduced from Europe many years ago. These invasive species have impacted nest sites. Other migratory birds would also compete for the nest boxes, such as Carolina Wrens, Tree Swallows, and Carolina Chickadees, but they are protected by federal law. The Life Scout warned the attendees that hawks, snakes, and mice might be encountered. He mentioned insects need to be curbed as well. Working under the guidance of David Henderson, Certified Wildlife Biologist, and CSA Director of Special Projects and Operations, the Life Scout created an opportunity for volunteers to observe Eastern Bluebirds during their entire life cycle.
I jumped at the chance to join the project, having rarely seen Bluebirds during the 23 years of living on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. As a volunteer monitor for The Sea Pines Bluebird Project, I would manage 12 Eastern Bluebird nest boxes. We were given a scrub brush and spray bottle, which would be used to clean out the boxes at the beginning of the season in late February, mixing water with a measured amount of bleach. The boxes would require cleaning after chicks fledged, as Bluebirds will build up to 3 nests per season. At the end of August, the boxes would be cleaned for the winter, as some song birds will sleep inside during the cold months. We were each given a booklet entitled “Enjoying Bluebirds More” by Julie Zickefoose, a special publication by Bird Watchers Digest. It contains information on how to attract, and keep Bluebirds near your home; how to be nest box landlord; 39 plants they would be interested in; and of course a nesting schedule.
Eastern Bluebirds are most likely in the top 5 favorite species to observe by backyard bird watchers, across the eastern half of the United States. Eastern Bluebirds are in the order of Passeriforms, in the genus Sialia, and part of the Thrush family. Male Eastern Bluebirds have a stunning cobalt blue head, wings, and tail, copper colored chest, and white belly and underparts. Females are a paler blue, with a faded orange chest, white stomach, and a brown wash across the back wings. They have a round head, long wings, short tail and legs, and a short straight bill. Eastern Bluebirds are 6.3-8.3 inches in length (16-21 cm), weigh 1.0-1.1 ounces (28-32 grams), and have a wingspan of 9.8-12.6 inches (25-32 cm). The medium-sized songbirds are mostly insectivorous or omnivorous. Sixty-eight percent of their diet consists of insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Perching on wires, posts, signs, and branches in open areas, Bluebirds will scan the ground for prey. They will then drop to the ground to feed. In the fall and winter, the plump birds will perch on fruiting shrubs and trees to gulp down berries. Flowering dogwood, holly, mulberry, black raspberries, sumac, eastern juniper, Virginia creeper, and wild grape are some of the favored fruits. Eastern Bluebirds have a simple song that is melodious and cheerful. The warbled song had several notes with 2 distinct songs, rising on 1 song, falling on the next. Three to five songs will be played and alternated. In the darkness of pre-dawn hours, a male Bluebird becomes an aggressive singer, louder in volume, and up to 15 songs per minute! Chattering between songs will occur, and after 20 minutes, the Bluebird will return to the nest box.
Eastern Bluebirds are secondary cavity nesters, unable to create a hole in a tree or wood fence. Loss of habitat has been caused by housing developments, and reforestation of farmland. Pesticides and herbicides, and environmental pollution can have devastating effects on local populations. Bluebirds require open fields with sparse vegetation, meadows, farmland, golf courses, or parks. They will utilize old Woodpecker holes in trees, or man-made nest boxes. Preferring open areas, surrounded by trees, Eastern Bluebirds are attracted to nest boxes with exact specifications. Throughout the USA, Bluebird trails up to 100 nest boxes can be found along roads, fields, or golf courses. Boxes that are 25 feet or more from tree cover will prevent House Wrens from entering it, as the Wrens are reluctant to cross open spaces.
Bluebirds will start building nests the first week of March, but scouting begins in February. Male Bluebirds show a variety of homes to females, but ultimately she decides where to lay eggs. Believe it or not, Eastern Bluebirds are not monogamous! Extra pair copulations are frequent for both sexes. Visual displays center largely around wing waving and slow flights around nest sites, along with vigorous singing. The female will commute with beakfuls of pine needles, and build a deep nest cup to hold the eggs. Nest building takes 2-6 days. Although in parts of the country fine grasses, bits of fur, feathers, or rootlets may be added, Hilton Head Island Eastern Bluebirds adhere strictly to pine needles for nest construction. Egg laying will commence over 5-7 days, generally 1 egg released per day. Egg laying may be delayed 1-3 weeks because of cold weather, young and inexperienced parents, or food is scarce. Three to seven pale blue eggs are laid in the nest, with 4-5 eggs being the average number seen during the Sea Pines Bluebird Project. The female incubates the eggs for 12-14 days, but both parents care for the young. Eggs are hatched over 24-48 hours. Fledging of the chicks typically runs 16-21 days. Parents remove white fecal matter to keep the nest clean; however, some nests will have an immense amount of droppings left in them. It is interesting that the most successful nest boxes will often show droppings on the interior walls, and front door, indicating a great deal of activity! Baby birds can fly by day 28, and feed themselves by day 30. During monitoring it is important to avoid opening the nest box after the young are 12 days old, to prevent premature fledging. The old saying, “he flew the coop”, functions as a reminder that birds must be fully developed before they can venture out on their own. Juveniles Bluebirds will frequently return to assist parents in raising the second or third brood during the season. Family groups or flocks of Bluebirds are seen, as they are very social birds. In the winter the birds will roost together in cavities or nest boxes, in order to stay warm.
Nest box design for Eastern Bluebirds is extremely important, although there are several styles. The access door can be an opening from the side (open left to right), or a front-swinging door, lifting the box from the bottom. The nest box should be made of wood, 3/4 inch or thicker, and provide insulation from heat and cold. Cedar is weather resistant; however, redwood, white pine, yellow pine, or pine plywood works as well. (Cedar is a softer wood, so squirrels and woodpeckers can’t seem to resist enlarging the entrance hole.) Flat cut lumber is best, where the growth rings are visible at the ends of the pieces. The roof will deteriorate faster than the other panels. Exterior grade plywood with 5 or more plies creates a longer-lasting roof than any solid board, and will resist warping. Painting or staining nest boxes is controversial, as the residual fumes could harm the birds. Only paint the exterior, if at all, using latex paint, or oil-based stain, which will seal the surface. The responsibility to predator proof the box includes adding an outlet cover over the entrance hole, mounting it horizontally. This hard plastic will deter raccoons, woodpeckers, and squirrels from enlarging the 1 1/2 inch round entrance hole. The floor should be 4 – 5 1/2 inches square, with the floor 8 inches below the entryway. Lastly, the roof needs to be slanted, with the back higher than the front, with an overhang of one inch or more to protect from rain. Drainage holes are needed, with typically 4 holes spaced apart in the floor. The box should be mounted 5 feet off the ground, and a baffle can be added below it.
One of the most interesting mammals I have encountered during the Sea Pines Bluebird Project are Flying Squirrels. One day, many years ago, I opened up a nest box to see a small greyish brown animal. It was curled up inside a nest piled high with soft brown grasses. The next thing I know it crawled out of the box at top speed, and ran up the telephone pole. Of course I screamed! At 8.3 to 10.2 inches long, which includes a flattened tail resembling a giant feather, the animals usually just shake with fear, clinging to the high voltage telephone pole. They have a beautiful bit of yellow fur by the hind legs. As I am originally from New Jersey, I grew up seeing Chipmunks in the woods. So, just as I was grasping the fact that a Bluebird box has been overtaken by a Flying Squirrel, the mammal hurls itself across an expanse of grass, and lands on a tree, about 40 feet away! “Omigod, I thought to myself, that was incredible!” Southern Flying Squirrels possess a furry membrane called a patagium, which extends between the front and rear legs. They don’t actually fly, but rather glide. From a tall tree or structure, they tuck in their limbs, then propel themselves toward the landing site. Once airborne, they stretch out their fur, forming a square. As they prepare to land, all 4 limbs move forward, creating a parachute effect to slow them down. When they “fly” across the yard, it happens in a split second. I was finally able to capture this unique ability on video in 2017!
I reported the original Southern Flying Squirrel to David Henderson, Certified Wildlife Officer, as to whether to leave it in the box, or remove the nest. The good news is that all of the Southern Flying Squirrels are allowed to remain in the nest boxes. Some mammals are utilizing the boxes over the winter time, as I currently have a family of 3 in Nest Box E9. The species Glaucomys volans means “Flying Grey Mouse”. The loose skin attached to the wrist and ankle act like a sail for gliding, and looks like a body-length cape. Their nickname is Fairy Diddles. They have soft looking fur, white belly, large black eyes, wide ears, and pink nose and feet. I once counted 75 acorns in a box, left over from a winter stash. They have a normal flight of 30-50 feet, and weigh just a few ounces. Southern Flying Squirrels do prey on Eastern Bluebird eggs, and can also eat nestlings. Some Flying Squirrels remain in a nest box for months. I monitor the nests, and eventually remove them if I see bugs in the grass, the nests become flattened, or if they appear to be unoccupied several weeks. Flying Squirrels are nocturnal, give birth to 2-6 young in both April and July, and have a 40 day gestation period. A tree cavity is generally used for a nest. Young squirrels will wean after 2 months, with short foraging trips with their mother. They eat fruit, nuts, seeds, berries, birds, insects, and spiders. They are the only carnivorous squirrel. Because Flying Squirrels forage on the ground, they are vulnerable to raccoons and cats. They do not hibernate during the winter, but will gather food for storage, and share a hole with several other Flying Squirrels.
Guess what? I’ve become an American Alligator aficionado. Because 4 of the 12 Eastern Bluebird nest boxes are adjacent to a lagoon, I see Alligators frequently. The prehistoric-looking reptiles are beyond fascinating, and they quickly attract the attention of Sea Pines Plantation visitors, cycling around on the bike paths. Alligators have round snouts, muscular forearms and back legs, and torsos with a thick girth. American Alligators are etcothermal, meaning the animals will be within a degree or two of whatever their surrounding environment is. The reptiles do not move around a lot, as they have to conserve energy. Their scutes, or bony plates on their backs, will hold in heat longer and more efficiently than their flesh can. The scutes serve as built-in solar panels, and protection from predators, especially when they are smaller. During the winter, when the temperature drops below 70 degrees, the Alligators cannot eat anything, because they quit producing digestive enzymes. They will go the entire winter without a meal, and live off the fat stores in their tails and jowls. Their eyes and nostrils are located on top of their skulls. This is so they can barely break the surface of the water. They will take a breath of air, take a look around to make sure it is safe to come out, and then bask in the sun or hunt for food. The American Alligator is one of 23 species of Crocodilians in the world, and 1 of 2 species that are found in the USA. The American Crocodile is the second species, and it can be found very far south, as in the Florida region. The Alligator diet is varied, and they will eat just about anything. When they are young, they consume bugs, small fish and frogs, baby snakes and baby turtles. When they become larger reptiles, they hunt raccoons, opossums, otters, beavers, and can even jump up and grab birds out of low lying limbs.
Alligators will stay under water 10-15 minutes at a time, then come up for a breath of air. They have a 4-chambered heart, and can smell water half a mile away. The reptiles can create a gator hole. We’ve all heard the term, but basically the Alligator is looking for fresh water, and it also helps out many other species. One of the most intriguing things I learned was that American Alligators do not have vision like ours. They cannot see directly in front of themselves, or behind themselves, rather their vision is out to the side. It is similar to our peripheral vision. Gators have an upper and lower eyelid, as well as a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. The membrane works like a pair of goggles would for us. The Alligators can see through the clear lid, but their eyes are protected. Astonishingly enough, Alligators can drop their eyes into a hollow socket for more protection. If another Alligator started fighting it, or if a fish is flopping around after capture, the socket would protect the eyes. There is a slit behind the eyes, which is the ear. Alligators can detect vibrations. They have 80 teeth, and will shed them as they become worn, sometimes going through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime!
The jawline contains integumentary sensory organs, known as ISO’s, and they appear as pebbled pits. When the reptile is underwater, where vision is poor, these organs feel pressure waves, as a fish or turtle swims by, which elicits a biting response.
April through June is mating season. A female will build a nest, raking backwards a tremendous pile of vegetation, sticks, and mud, 4-6 feet wide. She will dig a hole, deposit the eggs, from 10 to 60. After a 65 day incubation, she will hear a barking sound, and dig out the babies. Alligators have tremendous jaw strength, yet the female is able to pick up the 8-10 inch fragile babies that come out of an egg no larger than a chicken egg. She’ll carry them down to the water, and it’s her job to protect the babies for the first couple of years. Everything eats a baby gator: raccoons, opossums, birds of prey, wading birds, turtles, fish, snakes, other alligators, and even bullfrogs on occasion.
It is illegal to feed or harass American Alligators in the state of South Carolina. Signs are posted near the lagoon by nest boxes E7 and E3. A fed gator is a dead gator. It is important to respect these animals because if an incident occurs between them and humans, then the Alligator must be removed and euthanized. I instruct vacationers not to get too close to an Alligator, and tell them 2 words: wide berth! I let them know, from personal experience, you cannot underestimate what appears to be a resting Alligator. Whether the reptile is on land, or in the water, I’ve seen an Alligator move at lightning speed within seconds. It can explode out of the water to consume an Anhinga, or turn in a tight circle on land to jump into the water. I am thankful I have a zoom camera, as it affords me close-up shots and videos, without bothering the remarkable reptiles. My Canon Power Shot 60SX HD has changed my life. If I even see a bit of light grey or charcoal coloring way in the distance, tucked behind a low tree branch by the water, I can quickly zoom in to film an Alligator hiding in the shade.
During my second year of The Sea Pines Bluebird Project, armed with a digital camera with both zoom and video capabilities, I was dive-bombed by birds trying to discourage me from peeking inside nest box E7. This particular box faces Lighthouse Road, which is fairly busy year round. To my delight, 2 little Brown Headed Nuthatches were ferrying cinnamon-colored vegetation into the Bluebird box! I had seen this type of bird only twice in my life, and always at a fair distance. Loosely strewn pieces of bark from a Cabbage Palm tree were at the bottom of the box, which blew out with the wind. I carefully placed the pieces back. The birds were fearless, and determined to complete their task. Fast forward to 2016 and 2017, where I regularly see Brown Headed Nuthatch families. I filmed a 1 day old chick move its wing and foot near an egg in the nest, while a sibling’s arm was draped over the egg! It was truly a miracle to watch such an endearing moment, and see the beginning of life in the nest. I have witnessed Brown Headed Nuthatches sharing insects with each other, while standing on top of the nest box, or delivering food to chicks through the entrance hole.
Surprisingly, there is very little information on the web about the Brown Headed Nuthatch. They are small songbirds found in pine forests throughout the United States, and an endangered population in the Bahamas. Similar to Red Breasted and White Breasted Nuthatches, the bird possesses a long sharp black beak, and uses it to open seeds. They will visit bird feeders, preferring sunflower seeds and suet. Brown Headed Nuthatches are listed as bold and inquisitive, and approachable by humans, which I witnessed first hand. We’ve all seen videos of the American Crow utilizing tools to reach food in experiments. Well, the Nuthatches do the same thing. They carry bits of bark to pry under loose bark on a tree, looking for food. They eat insects and pine seeds, and will sleep in a cavity or open branch. A breeding pair will roost together, prior to egg laying, then throughout the nesting period. Young male birds will assist adult birds during the season. Only 3.5-4.3 inches long, Brown Headed Nuthatches have a wingspan of 6.3-7.1 inches long, and weigh a mere 10-12 grams. (0.35-0.42 ounces) Easily distinguishable with a brown cap, narrow black eye line, and buff white cheeks, chin, and belly, their wings area a beautiful blue-grey color. The tiny birds have a call that sounds like the squeezing of a toy rubber duck. Nests are lined with pine seed wings, shreds of bark, Spanish moss, fur, feathers, and rootlets from grass. Brown Headed Nuthatches lay 4-6 eggs that are white, marked with reddish brown spots. The female will incubate the eggs for 14 days, with the male delivering food to her. Both parents feed the young. Within 18-19 days, chicks will fledge. Only 1 brood per year can be expected.
One of my favorite birds to see is the Carolina Chickadee. Delightful to watch, they are 4.5-5.1 inches long, with a weight of 9-12 grams (0.32-0.42 ounces). A black cap and bib, with white sides of the face make this species easy to identify. Their wings are a soft grey, and the underparts are white with a bit of rusty brown on the flanks. Similar to the Black Capped Chickadee, the bird has a short dark bill, short wings, and a long tail. Breeding habitat is mixed or deciduous woods from New Jersey to Florida, west to Kansas and Texas. Carolina Chickadees will either utilize a natural cavity in a tree, an abandoned woodpecker nest, or excavate their own cavity. Their diet largely consists of insects, especially in the summer. Birds can be spotted hopping along branches, or hanging upside down, searching for insects. They may sally out to catch an insect mid-air. Seeds and berries take priority in the winter diet, with birds seen hammering a seed on a branch to open it. During fall migration mixed flocks of Carolina Chickadees, Nuthatches, Yellow Rumped Warblers, and Tufted Titmice will together. Carolina Chickadees can regulate their body temperature, to induce an intentional state of hypothermia called tupor. They must conserve energy during extremely cold winters, and will hide in a tree cavity, remaining in tupor up to 15 hours.
The Carolina Chickadee builds a nest of moss (lichen), pine needles, and strips of bark. The nest is then lined with fur, wool, hair, plant fibers, spider webs, and feathers. Chickadees move fast, and are difficult to film. On occasion I have gotten photographs of a Chickadee hovering at the entrance hole of an Eastern Bluebird nest box, or sitting inside on a nest. They lay 6-8 eggs, 1-2 days post nest building. The dull shells are white with reddish brown spots and streaks. The egg colors look very much like those of the Brown Headed Nuthatches; therefore it is important to identify the bird nest. Incubation lasts 12-13 days. During hatching the male brings food a few times a day, and the female keeps the chicks warm. By day 7 the hatchlings have their eyes open, and by day 12 an insulating feather coat exists. Fledging occurs on day 16. Parents will continue to feed their young 3-4 weeks post-fledging. Eventually during dispersal, the family will break up, and juveniles will leave the area. One brood per season occurs. They only have a 2.5 year life span, although one bird was recorded at 12 years, 5 months old!
Although The Sea Pines Bluebird Project requires 1 1/2 – 4 hours of monitoring each week, there are many amazing moments that I have recorded on my digital camera that make it all worthwhile. I have filmed 16,000 wildlife videos in 5 years, with 9,200 published on YouTube thus far. Currently there are 852 YouTube Subscribers, and over 400,000 views. My YouTube videos are also featured on Karen Marts Google Plus, along with photographs and bird blogs. There are 38 followers on Google Plus. I am a bird nerd to the highest level, and have written hundreds of blogs on every type of bird imaginable, with 400 of them soon to be posted. Some of the highlights include seeing 1-4 day old Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Chickadees, and Brown Headed Nuthatches. Surprisingly, I have been fortunate to have filmed all 3 species of mother birds lying on the nests while incubating! Baby Bluebirds might be comprised of a clutch of 3-5 chicks, and they have bright yellow mouths that cry for food when the box is open for monitoring. Their pinkish skin contrasts with blue skin on closed eyelids and arms. Eastern Bluebird parents are very protective, and will fly by several times during the monitoring . I’ve practically had a heart attack witnessing birds shoot right out of the nest box at a high speed; 4 foot long Yellow Rat Snakes curled up inside the box, after devouring chicks and eggs; and seeing 10-20 cockroaches infesting a box. The bugs can be horrible, as I am dealing with cockroaches, spiders, ants, mosquitos, mud daubers, crickets, blow flies, and cicadas. In early afternoons I can count on seeing Osprey catching fish, Anhingas and Cormorants swimming in the lagoons, or drying on land, and Black Vultures soaring on thermals high in the sky. I am enthralled when I see certain bird species such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Yellow Shafted Flickers, Spotted Sandpipers, Green Herons, Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, and rare Wood Storks. Sometimes at the end of the project route, in a long field of grass, flanked by tall trees, bamboo, and Saw Palmetto, a beautiful family of deer will be grazing in the open. Off to the side might be some rabbits munching, and perhaps a Barred Owl up in a Live Oak. It is during these peaceful moments that I appreciate living on Hilton Head Island.
Below are most dynamic videos from the last few years, and I encourage readers to watch every one. Each video showcases a bird, mammal, or reptile in action! Become an expert on local species.
First Male Eastern Bluebird of Season 2017! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
1 DAY OLD Brown Headed Nuthatch MOVES WING & FOOT BY EGG & SIBLING'S ARM DRAPED OVER IT! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Baby Bluebird Cries for Food Over 4 Eggs E8 Nest Box! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
HOLY MACKEREL ON ALLIGATOR OPENING JAWS TO EXPOSE PINK SKIN! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Alligator's Jaws WIDE OPEN Exposing Pink Mouth E2 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Male Pileated Woodpeckers on GROUND Stared Upwards! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Two Male Pileated Woodpeckers TRANSFIXED on Something in Tree! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
DRAMATIC RED CREST & MOUSTACHE on Male Pileated Woodpecker & Flies Off! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Brown Headed Nuthatch with YELLOW THROAT SITS IN ENTRANCE HOLE FEET OUT! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Female Osprey Shakes Wet Wings & Tail & Switches Feet to Hold Fish! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Male Eastern Bluebird UNDERPARTS UP CLOSE by E10 Nest Box Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Carolina Chickadee SITS ON NEST in E2 Nest Box! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Wary Eastern Bluebird UP CLOSE by E12 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Female Bluebird Unbelievable CLOSE UP Waiting on E7 Nest Box to Be Monitored Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Both Brown Headed Nuthatches LAND ON NEST BOX E7 WITH INSECTS & SHARE WITH EACH OTHER & THIRD BIRD! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
DRAGONFLY HELD IN BEAK OF MALE EASTERN BLUEBIRD! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Male Eastern Bluebird & FEMALE WITH BEAK OPEN! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Brown Headed Nuthatch Delivers Insect to Crying Chicks E2! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
DELIGHTFUL DEER FAMILY of Six Near E1 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Deer Family on Alert UP CLOSE While Foraging by E1! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER JUVENILE OPENS BEAK TO THE SKY! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Northern Parula Warbler Juvenile BEAK OPEN & PREENS WING! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Great Blue Heron Scratches Head, Anhinga Dries Wings & Alligator Blows Bubbles in Lagoon! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Male Cardinals Fight for Female & Deer Family in Woods! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Neck & Body Look Pretty FREAKY on Green Heron by E2 Nest Box! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Female Anhinga Drying Wings & Large Gator in the Distance Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Fabulous Facts on American Alligator Lying in Shaded Water! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
MAGNIFICENT MUSCULAR AMERICAN ALLIGATOR by Nest Box E3! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Brown Headed Nuthatch UP CLOSE in Entrance Hole with Head & Feet Out! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Eastern Bluebird MOM INCUBATES 2 EGGS in E2! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Osprey Devours Fish in Pine Tree UP CLOSE! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Come DRY With Me! Wide Wing Span on Female Anhinga Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Gorgeous Green Heron Juveniles SIDE BY SIDE in Grass & 1 Flies to Tree! E2 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Baby Bluebird & 4 Eggs in Nest Box E8! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Carolina Chickadee Debating on Whether to Enter E3 Nest Box Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Carolina Chickadee Mom Flew Out of E5 & Rests on Branch Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Carolina Chickadee Sits STILL on Bamboo! E11 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL SCARED & LIVING IN E11 Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
1 of 2 Flying Squirrels Living in E11 & Facts on Them Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Brown Headed Nuthatch Chewing & 2nd Adult Flies Out of E7 with Something in His Mouth! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Tufted Titmouse Baby Birds in E12! Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Female Osprey UP CLOSE Tears Pieces Off Fish on Branch Sea Pines Bluebird Project Hilton Head Island, SC
Karen Marts Watches BALD EAGLE MOVE WINGS then FLY to Telephone Pole! Sea Pines Hilton Head Island, SC
Weekly tallies for The Sea Pines Bluebird Project are complied at the end of 6 months. The year end tally provides a snapshot of each of the 12 nest boxes. The recorded data is turned over to David Henderson in the CSA office. Communication via email is vital throughout the season with David, as his advice is needed. Nest boxes need to be replaced, and sometimes they have to be relocated. Insect problems can deter Bluebirds from nesting, and must be addressed quickly. In 2015, 21 other bird species were seen, along with numerous American Alligators and Yellow Bellied Slider Turtles. There were 3 successful Southern Flying Squirrel nests, and 1 failed Carolina Chickadee nest. 34 Eastern Bluebirds fledged; 1 Bluebird egg did not hatch; 5 Bluebird chicks were consumed by a Yellow Rat Snake; and 9 Bluebird eggs disappeared from the nest boxes. 17 Brown Headed Nuthatches fledged, and 1 chick died. There were 2 failed nests of unspecified species. In 2016 25 different bird species were seen near the Bluebirds, as well as deer, rabbits, Grey Squirrels, and Flying Squirrels. Green Anoles, frogs, turtles, and alligators were plentiful. 10 types of insects were encountered. There were 10 Eastern Bluebird nests with a total of 33 eggs, 18 chicks observed, and 24 fledged juveniles. Mortalities were 9 eggs. There were 4 failed Bluebird nests. Carolina Chickadees built 4 nests, with 19 eggs, 9 hatched chicks observed, and a total of 11 fledged birds. There were 4 chicks that died, and 4 egg mortalities. (eggs are either missing from nests or unhatched) The surprise of the season was a Tufted Titmouse nest with 6 eggs, 6 chicks observed, and 6 fledged juveniles. Brown Headed Nuthatches declined with only 1 nest, 6 eggs, 2 observed chicks, and 2 fledglings. There were 4 egg mortalities. Flying Squirrel nests totaled 7, with 14 squirrels observed, and 4 sailed through the air. The most recent year, 2017, provided sightings of 19 bird species, and a broad mix of insects, reptiles, and mammals. Eastern Bluebirds produced 12 nests, 37 eggs, 15 observed chicks, and 21 fledglings. Unfortunately there were 16 egg mortalities, and 6 failed nests. A failed nest is one that remains incomplete, where the bird never returns to finish adding material to the nest. Other instances might be eggs never appearing, or a Flying Squirrel might add layers of soft brown grasses right on top of a Bluebird nest, and take over the box. There was 1 Carolina Chickadee nest, 6 eggs, 6 hatched birds seen, and 5 fledglings. 1 chick was found dead in the nest, which was very sad. Brown Headed Nuthatches built 2 nests, 12 eggs, and 6 hatched chicks were observed. 7 juveniles fledged. There was 1 adult mortality, and 5 egg mortalities. One other nest failed. The Southern Flying Squirrels never disappoint, with 2 nests, and 13 Flying Squirrels observed. There were 2 families. 1 nest of an unknown species failed.
It is a privilege to be affiliated with a Citizen Science project that not only improves the lives of Eastern Bluebirds, but provides me an opportunity to educate visitors on wildlife. Although the Eastern Bluebirds are thriving, they still need our help. The Sea Pines Bluebird Project benefits birds. I hope that people will be inspired to volunteer to monitor Eastern Bluebird boxes with an organization, or set up their own backyard Bluebird box. The plight of the Bluebird can only be improved with human intervention. Contributing to the conservation of Eastern Bluebirds has been a rewarding experience, and brought me great joy!
Karen Marts and Freedom the Parrot
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