Aerial Allies & Nest Box Invaders: Part I Bluebird Boom: 4 Nesting Successes & 18 Fledglings

Carole, Program & Communications Coordinator at Veasey Park
Jul 16
2 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Eastern Bluebirds soared at Veasey this season with four successful nesting attempts resulting in 18 fledglings taking flight! These striking thrushes, often a symbol of renewal, continue to make our community green space their seasonal home.

Thanks to consistent nest box monitoring by volunteer ornithologist Richard Lombard, we have the data to celebrate this win and better understand the dynamics shaping bluebird success in Groveland.

Photo 1. Nest Box in the Field of Veasey courtesy of Richard Lombard — Photo 1. Nest Box in the Field of Veasey *courtesy of Richard Lombard*

💡 Why Bluebirds Thrived This Year

Early-season setup and gentle maintenance gave them a head start
Strategic spacing of nest boxes helped minimize competition
Ongoing monitoring ensured minimal sparrow interference
Strong native habitat around Veasey provided reliable foraging zones

Bluebirds often face intense pressure from house sparrows, which compete aggressively for nesting territory. But this year, Richard’s documentation suggests that bluebirds secured their spots early and held them. This is an encouraging sign that Veasey’s environment supports native species resilience.

📊 Bluebird Fledgling Timeline

Nesting Attempt	First Egg Date	Fledgling Count	Notes
Box #3	April 22	4	All fledged successfully
Box #7	May 6	5	Bluebirds retained the box despite early sparrow interest
Box #12	May 28	5	Monitored closely by Richard; no sparrow intrusion
Box #15	June 14	4	Late nesting attempt; slightly reduced brood size

🧭 What’s Next?

The bluebird momentum is inspiring, but we’re keeping a close eye on sparrow activity and early signs of territorial competition. Part III of our series dives into nest box dynamics, tree swallow patterns, and the invasive pressure from house sparrows.

Stay tuned for future installments of Aerial Allies & Nest Box Invaders: