MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY -The Legacy Land Trust Society is raising funds to conserve vital mountain bluebird habitat in Mountain View County.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, mountain bluebird populations dropped by about 24 per cent between 1966 and 2015.
Predation by house sparrows and European starlings has taken a toll but much of the decline is due to habitat loss.
Conservation efforts by dedicated bird-lovers -- such as bluebird banding and bluebird trail creation -- have helped populations make a comeback.
Last spring Legacy partnered with local Rotarians and community organizations to build 30 nest boxes and establish a new section of bluebird trail.
This year Legacy is fundraising for a special program -- Give Our Bluebirds Wings. Our goal is twofold: building more nest boxes to expand our bluebird trail, and conserving vital bluebird habitat.
Your donation can help us ensure that bluebirds continue to have a home in our community.
You also have a chance to win one of 40 gifts -- including books, photos, a handmade bluebird box and a trip with a mountain bluebird expert on a bluebird trail.
Private donors have rallied and made Legacy an exciting offer -- for every dollar we raise they will match it, up to a maximum of $1,500. This means that every dollar you give will be doubled -- for example, donate $25 and Legacy receives $50.
You could also sponsor a mountain bluebird nest box. Donate $75 and you’ll receive updates about the “family” that moves into the box — from nest-building and egg-laying to hatching, banding and, hopefully, to flight.
If you would like to support our efforts visit our website (legacylandtrustsociety.ca). You can donate online, find information on prizes and learn more about mountain bluebirds.
Owen Rodger is the conservation coordinator with Legacy Land Trust Society.
