Studying, conserving & restoring the natural range of the Mountain Bluebird in Southern Alberta
There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in Canada and USA than in 1970. Bird population decline is not limited to endangered or species at risk, but includes common species like sparrows, warblers, and bluebirds.
In an attempt to slow or perhaps reverse this decline, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society has installed and maintained over 2,700+ Mountain Bluebird nest boxes throughout Southern Alberta, Canada.
“Our team of 110+ volunteers maintain a vast network of Mountain Bluebird trails, increasing habitat and restoring the natural range of these beautiful birds.”
— Jim Leitch, President
You can help us to help Mountain Bluebirds
Join our mailing list, become a member, attend our events, and get involved!
Enter your email to start your journey with the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society - you will be happy you did!
Latest MBTCS News
Discover how the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) is enhancing conservation efforts for Mountain Bluebirds by integrating the NestWatch app into trail monitoring—empowering trail monitors and bird enthusiasts alike.
On September 16, 2024, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) Executive Committee gathered for their latest meeting, with important updates and decisions shaping the future of our efforts to protect and nurture bluebird populations.
As the 2024 nesting season concludes, we extend our gratitude to all monitors who have submitted their annual reports. Please remember to clean your nest boxes and send any changes in your monitoring status or contact information to Trail Master by the end of September.
The spring weather and its effects have sparked a lively conversation among our board members, and we're excited to share these observations with you. We also invite you to share your perspective to help us understand spring’s impact on local bird populations.
On May 31, Ose Irete, CBC Journalist, took a walk with Jim Leitch, MBTCS President, on his Mountain Bluebird Nest Box Trail near Lethbridge. Take a look at the video for an understanding of what to expect when you become a Trail Monitor.
Our spring orientation was a tremendous success, providing both educational value and an unforgettable wildlife experience. The day offered new members a firsthand opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of local wildlife, with a special focus on the cherished bluebirds that our society is dedicated to protecting.
Thank you to all monitors for caring for the bluebird nest boxes. Our Trail Master is accepting requests for nest box renovation to be done after the 2024 nesting season.
We thank our current donors for their generosity and invite new supporters to join this vital cause. With your help, we can ensure that the skies of Southern Alberta will remain adorned with the Mountain Bluebird for years to come. Let's stand together for wildlife conservation; your support is more critical than ever.
Some times we have to deal with unwanted pests that find our nest boxes too irresistible. We are curious if you ever had an issue you wanted to share with others on the website?Here is a story from Jim Leitch, MBTCS president, that he shared back in 2016…
The Mountain Bluebird, facing threats from habitat destruction and invasive species, found a champion in Duncan Mackintosh and the budding community of conservationists he inspired. This marked the beginning of the Mountain Bluebird Trails, an initiative rooted deeply in community effort and ecological stewardship.
Spring has arrived, I think, but we certainly can't draw that conclusion if we use the weather as the determining factor. We know spring has arrived for sure when we hear about early sightings of the beautiful mountain bluebird. Some of those early sightings were in mid to late March this year. Most of our feathered friends arrive to begin their nesting process in April and early May.
Every nest box you build is more than just a woodworking project; it's a lifeline for a Mountain Bluebird. You help in the conservation of these magnificent birds, but you're also setting the stage for years of joyful bird watching.
Imagine enjoying a cup of coffee and watching as your efforts pay off with a flurry of bluebird activity—that’s something truly special.
Discover how the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) is enhancing conservation efforts for Mountain Bluebirds by integrating the NestWatch app into trail monitoring—empowering trail monitors and bird enthusiasts alike.