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Each spring, individuals of all ages depart Saskatoon and travel south to participate as citizen scientists on the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail.
Established in 1969, the trail extends approximately 80 kilometers from just below Langham, Sask. to slightly above Hanley, Sask.
Every 400 meters, a small birdhouse is attached to a fence along the trail.
These 250 nest boxes serve as artificial hollow trees, providing essential shelter to migrating birds under the watchful eyes of volunteers.
Overseeing the volunteer initiative for the Saskatoon Young Naturalists via the Saskatoon Nature Society is Greg Fenty, a biologist and retired environmental educator.
“The Bluebird Trail comprises a series of monitored nest boxes on a rural road to track bluebirds and tree swallows, monitoring their breeding success and longevity,” explained Fenty.
This data aids researchers in tracking changes in bluebird and tree swallow populations over time.
Historically, bluebird populations declined until the 1950s due to habitat loss and pesticide use, prompting increased conservation and monitoring efforts thereafter.
Bluebirds can live up to eight years on average and migrate over 3,000 kilometers south during the winter.
Volunteers undergo training with Fenty on proper bird handling, banding, and species identification, requiring a scientific permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service to band birds.