Bluebirds Are Returning to Nesting Locations Throughout Camden County

Photo by Tina Nord/Pexels

Camden County bluebird enthusiasts are preparing for the arrival of bluebird pairs seeking to establish their nests in bluebird boxes throughout Camden County.

The New Jersey Bluebird Society (NJBBS) established the Camden County bluebird habitat program in 2016. The goal was to establish a thriving bluebird nesting project throughout Camden County. Sure enough, male birds arrived, collected twigs and pine needles, and built nests in the boxes. They sang their song to attract females, and before long, baby bluebirds were hatched.

Initially, birds nested in boxes along the Atlantic City Expressway and golf courses several miles away at the exclusive Tavistock Country Club.

This small species prefers living near wooded areas with little underbrush to avoid predators, such as snakes and raccoons that raid their nests for the eggs.

Bluebirds do not like living near house sparrows since house sparrows take possession of a bluebird nest box, remove the young, claim it for themselves thereby driving the bluebirds away. Bluebirds seek tree cavities, or nest boxes, near fields with a buffet of insects. These small feathered friends rely on insects as their primary food source. In wintertime, it’s not uncommon for the birds to feast on suet cakes co-resident with backyard bird feeders.

Under trees and in clearings just off trails in New Brooklyn Park in Winslow Township and Frank Donio Memorial Park in Sicklerville, Chuck Kanupke, Jim Priest and the Camden County volunteer teams initially installed birdhouses to replace existing, damaged enclosures. They chose sites in areas free from overhanging branches and with plenty of insects to sustain the birds and their young. The bluebird houses, protection baffles, and poles were donated by NJBBS.

Since 2016, Camden County volunteers monitor the boxes for nesting activity. Jim Priest reports over 125 boxes installed in the County.

In 2023, 189 chicks were born, and 182 chicks/nestlings fledged and departed their parents. In addition to monitoring, Jim places an identification band onto the leg of each fledging. Banding occurs 7-12 days after birth. Banding enables tracking bluebird flight patterns. Allen Jackson, President, New Jersey Bluebird Society, reported a bluebird he banded in 2021 in Dorchester, just north of Leesburg, Cumberland County, was recovered in Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts in May 2023.

For decades the population of songbirds has fallen as development has infringed on their habitats.

Bluebirds are also sensitive to cold weather and cannot survive extremely low temperatures. The good news is that bluebirds are native to New Jersey and they respond very well to management. 

Priest said the songbirds do best when nesting boxes are attached to metal poles that include protection baffle to prevent predators for climbing up and into the nest.

“The challenges are many and only through conservation and education can we continue to enjoy these birds,” Kanupke said. “Proper management is the key to whether bluebirds survive for future generations to enjoy.”

Do you enjoy nature and walking in the outdoors? Camden County Bluebirds are always looking for volunteers to monitor its bluebird box trails in locations all over the County.

Those who want to participate in the bluebird program may contact either chuckkanupke@verizon.net or jim.priest@hotmail.com