Spring has sprung, and Western bluebirds are nesting everywhere. There are currently six active nests in various stages of development: some females are still in the egg-laying process, some are incubating, and some chicks have hatched. Most of these breeding birds are adults that returned after the fall migration south (or possibly had overwintered here in the islands). This is most encouraging news, as it is demonstrating that the birds that are born here (or raise young here) are returning on their own to their new breeding grounds in the San Juans.

An additional nine pairs of birds were translocated to San Juan in 2009 from the Ft. Lewis area, adding to the population of birds that returned on their own. A very promising start to the summer, as it appears that a new population of Western Bluebirds has begun to set roots in the San Juan Islands.

Just a reminder that this time of year, when young birds are beginning to fledge, is a good time to keep house cats inside. Young songbirds (including the bluebirds!) are most vulnerable in the few days after they have left the nest and before their flight muscles have fully developed. Most young birds will be on the ground or in low bushes during this time; the adult birds will still feed and care for them but may not be able to protect them against predators such as cats. Adult birds can also be vulnerable if bird houses are easily accessible by cats.

Please report your bluebird sightings. While they know locations of the active nests, observations of individuals, pairs, or family groups moving around the islands are very helpful to keep track of their movements. If possible, try to spot the color bands on the birds’ legs – it helps identify individuals. Report sightings to the Western Bluebird Hotline at 360-298-2822 or to Kathleen Foley (378-2461) or Barb Jensen (378-3068).