Conyers new Bluebird Trail promotes wildlife conservation, summer program for youths

CONYERS, GA—Nature enthusiasts and bird watchers will be thrilled with a new feature, a dedicated bluebird trail, at the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC). The 173-acre wildlife conservation area is located at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

Twenty bluebird houses were built, designed, and installed just in time for male bluebird “scouts” to find residency for their new mates. These beautifully, ornate houses can be found dotted along parts of the blue and orange trails throughout Bald Rock Meadows, a section of BHCNC that boasts open fields ideal for nesting habitats. The goals of this project are three-fold: increase the bluebird population; enhance wildlife-viewing opportunities for visitors; and provide youth educational outreach through an upcoming birding program.

Starting in late April through September, the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center’s “Bluebirds & Friends” spring and summer youth program will be offered to young birding enthusiasts. The program is sponsored by Georgia Audubon, to foster environmental curiosity with a focus on nesting habits and the identification of native and migratory songbirds. Kids also will learn how to use apps such as E-bird and Nestwatch to encourage citizen scientist participation.

“We are proud to be partners in this important wildlife conservation effort and to offer outdoor education led by seasoned, passionate birders,” said Melanie Furr, director of Education at Georgia Audubon. “We hope this project will inspire the next generation of wildlife guardians.”

Dawn Tanner, event manager at GIHP, who helped organize the bluebird trail project at BHCNC says, “Bluebirds are making an incredible comeback in population due to the vast number of houses being installed throughout the country. It is important to continue these conservation efforts, as bluebirds play an important role by protecting crops from insects and keeping bugs in check in residential areas.” Tanner adds, “Because of the visibility of the houses on the trail system, this initiative is something that the entire community can enjoy.”

Several community partners and volunteers have assisted with the bluebird houses initiative, including local chapter 10133 of the Girl Scouts of America (GSOA), the Georgia Audubon Society, and volunteers from birding groups and other Georgia state parks. This project began as an auxiliary artist workshop for the 2023 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, as several young girls from Troop #10133 of the GSOA took on the task of squirrel-proofing and decorating the houses.

To pinpoint the placement of the houses, BHCNC enlisted help from the Georgia Audubon and Panola State Mountain Park volunteer, Wayne Powell, who is also a retired program manager from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Many considerations were evaluated such as direction to the sun, availability of nesting materials, nearby male guarding posts, potential fledgling destinations, and competition from tree swallows and other bird species.

“With the right placement, not only will bluebirds benefit from this project, but other important bird species that are prevalent at BHCNC will too, such as chickadees, wrens, great crested flycatchers, titmice, and Prothonotary warblers – which are a top priority species in Georgia,” said Powell. “After only a few short weeks of availability, we have discovered that almost half of the houses are in the nest-building stages, which is an excellent sign for upcoming success.”

Powell will kick off the birding youth program with an interpretive walk and a fun, hands-on element: live nests from various birds and other educational materials. Other field guides will teach bird watching basics and identification tips while touring the new bluebird houses.

Participants should bring their own binoculars, although loaners will be provided based on availability. The entire walk is less than two miles long and takes about an hour to complete at a moderate pace, making it suitable for all ages and walking levels.

These events are free; however, pre-registration is required to secure a spot, as space is limited. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Pets are not permitted.

Please register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bluebirds-friend-spring-summer-youth-program-tickets-609661342487

The Bluebirds & Friends Spring & Summer Youth Program schedule:

April 29, 9-11 a.m.: Birds of a Feather Nest Together – Birding guide, Wayne Powell

June 3, 9-11 a.m.: What’s the Big I.D.? – Birding guide, Terry Miller

July 29, 9-11 a.m.: Sounds of Summer -Birding guide, Terry Miller

Sept 9, 9-11 a.m.: Flights of Discovery – Birding guide, Jack Bruce

In conjunction with this project, BHCNC is currently looking for volunteers to help monitor the bluebird houses throughout the season, as well as volunteers interested in general upkeep of the boxes.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Dawn Tanner at dawntanner@conyersga.gov.

The Bluebird Trail is located at the northern entrance of Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (on the Bald Rock Meadows side at the Costley Mill Rd. entrance) at 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers, GA. Directions: https://rb.gy/lhcxmo

For more information about the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, visit https://www.georgiahorsepark.com or https://www.facebook.com/BigHaynesCreekNatureCenter.