Published: May 08, 2008 07:14 pm            

ENVIRONMENT: DOT crews build nest boxes for area bluebirds

Those little brown boxes off the Robert Moses Parkway — between Lewiston and Lake Road in Porter — are humble homes for the Empire State’s official bird.

Countless motorists who drive by them daily will seldom, if ever, spot the small Eastern Bluebirds who depend on those boxes to raise their young.

Even with a close-up view, it’s unlikely you’ll see much through the entrance hole that is custom-drilled to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If the opening is a fraction bigger, it could allow predatory birds to get inside the box.

State game officials report that bluebirds are cavity nesters, unlike robins that usually build their nests atop branches. The bluebirds favor old dead trees with woodpecker holes and even wooden fences near farm fields.

Avid bluebird watchers will tell you that non-native predatory birds like the house or English sparrow and starling are capable of routing out bluebirds from their nests and even killing them.

Susan Surdej, public information officer for the regional state Department of Transportation, said the boxes were all built by the DOT maintenance crews.

“This was simply an extra environmental initiative that they decided to undertake during the (down) time on night shifts,” she said. “If they finished up snow plowing the parkway and ramps and had a break in the action before the shift ended, they would spend time constructing the boxes.”

Surdej said the crews were delighted that area residents have noticed the boxes along the parkway and other area roads including Lake Road (Route 18); Youngstown-Lockport Road (Route 93); Cambria-Wilson Town Line Road (Route 425); and Niagara Falls Boulevard (Route 62).

“We do have birds living in all the boxes,” Surdej said, noting the maintenance crews keep close tabs on the tenants. “The crews take pride in their work and the entire project has done in-house and during the routine shifts, when time allows,” she added.

Bill Broderick, a birder who lives in Youngstown, said that more than just bluebirds are probably attracted to the boxes. Some may be occupied by tree swallows or house sparrows, he suggested. “Still, the state has done a lot in putting these boxes around in so many places. They’re helping to bring back the bluebirds,” he added.

A naturalist with the regional State Parks Interpretive Office noted that starlings and sparrows sometimes seize the opportunity to attack the young and even the parents.

The bluebird, a member of the thrush family, is found throughout the eastern U.S. and southwestern Ontario. They remain as far north as they can during the winter, provided they find food, water and shelter.

The Eastern Bluebirds generally return north to New York state in early to mid-March.

Those interested in learning how to build nest boxes for the birds can call the DOT’s Niagara County Maintenancy Residency at 438-2396. The agency also has specialists in its environmental unit that will provide information.

        

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