Billie Crawford presents information on bluebirds.

The July sun beat down at the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park for the recent class on Building Birdhouses and Feeding Birds, taught by Billie Crawford. Fortunately for participants, the maintenance staff provided a tent to cool the Wisdom Wood outdoor classroom.

Mrs. Crawford provided background information of types of birds who nest in the river region area. She also brought a variety of birdhouses and discussed bird housing preferences.

The class centered on discussing bluebirds and building a habitat for them. Before sharing the building template, Mrs. Crawford mentioned the following bluebird facts:

  • The Eastern bluebird is most common to the river region area.
  • It will nest all year, but May is the most common time.
  • Eastern bluebirds prefer cavity nesting either in trees or bluebird houses.
  • The male bird selects the nesting spot and flaps his wings to attract the attention of the female.
  • The eggs incubate about 11-19 days, and the babies mature quickly.
  • The birds may mate several times during a season.
  • Bluebirds do not prefer birdfeeders. Instead, they like meal worms.

Following the information session, Mrs. Crawford demonstrated how to build a bluebird house. Participants were encouraged to examine the house and ask questions.

Due to the heat, there will be no class offered during August. The offerings will resume on Saturday, September 14 with Pottery in the Garden, taught by Margaret Barber. Beginning in September, classes will return to the 10:00 AM time frame for the remainder of the year.

Classes are free and open to the public. Water is provided.

Dale Shepperd enjoys the class.