This is not your usual CITO - please read the description below!
The Saskatoon Young Naturalists (the youth part of the Saskatoon Nature Society) have been monitoring bluebird and Tree Swallow populations in the Saskatoon area since 1969. This long term study (called a Bluebird trail) involves monitoring approximately 250 nest boxes (birdhouses). Over time the nest boxes break down and need to be replaced.
This year we, along with the help of Saskatoon Nature Society, will be replacing about 20 nest boxes along a section of the Bluebird trail near Grandora. This usually happens in March and April in anticipation of the arrival of bluebirds and Tree Swallows back from their winter migration in mid-April. The nest boxes are on fence posts along the road and can be accessed by vehicle.
Please bring:
- a recharchable drill - to remove and install birdhouses
- Robertson #2 bit (square head) - we will have extra
- a hammer (not necessary, but might be useful)
- a dust-proof mask and gloves (recommended) - we will have some on site if needed
- appropriate shoes for the weather (e.g. waterproof boots)
We will meet at the provided coordinates, where you will be given a coordinates of an old birdhouse, along with the new birdhouse and wood screws. Birdhouses are along the fence line of range road 3075 stretching from about 8 km south of Grandora to about 10 km north of Grandora.
If you do not own a rechargable drill, you may carpool with other geocachers to go as a group.
Old birdhouses will be collected at our meeting point.
It is advisable to wear a dust-proof mask when removing an old bird house. Sometimes mice will nest in an old birdhouse, and mice droppings are a source of hantavirus. There is also a concern with avian flu. While the risk of avian flu is historically low with songbirds/birdhouses precautions should be taken. Therefore, if you work with birds (e.g. poultry farmer) or have pet birds, it is recommended to not participate in replacing the birdhouses. However, you are still welcome to come and participate in other ways (e.g. help at the logbook table).
Please log your attendance so that we could plan how many birdhouses to give for each geocacher group. There will be 22 birdhouses available so don't be late!