January 7, 2026

The mid-20th century saw Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) near extinction. What a surprise to find this out, since to me that doesn’t seem so very long ago.

But that is the case, with there being a 90 percent drop in their population due to habitat degradation, and invasive House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), and Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) taking over nesting sites, both cavities in trees and birdhouses. These non-natives birds frecuently kill adult Bluebirds, destroy Bluebird eggs, and kill nestlings as they agressively take over the Bluebird’s nesting area.

One of many programs that have had a huge impact on the Eastern Bluebirds’ recovery is a program with Virginia Master Naturalists. This citizen science project involves working with the Virginia Bluebird Society. Participants track populations of these Bluebirds by weekly checking birdhouses during the breeding season for eggs, hatches, fledglings, and threats from House Sparrows and Starlings. These volunteers build and install bluebird houses, and monitor the Bluebird trails.

Now due to great effort, the Eastern Bluebird population has greatly recovered. Thank goodness.

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