30 ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
1976 EASTERN BLUEBIRD NESTING REPORT 
Compiled by MICHAEL D. MORRISON 
Many observers suggest that the Eastern Bluebird is a declining species 
and that more information is needed to help preserve this desirable species. 
This first annual report is intended to help wildlife biologists make an 
assessment of the bluebird’s population and its nesting status in Illinois. 
Response to my request for data (winter 75-76 issue, Illinois Audubon 
Bulletin) was slim, however, the data which | did receive are summarized 
below: 
Number of boxes available 210 
Number used by bluebird 79 (38%) 
Number of eggs laid 458 (number of clutches unknown) 
Number of eggs hatched 3424 (75) 
Number of young fledged 315 (69% of eggs laid; 
92% of eggs hatched) 
Nests without data ; 5 (primarily natural cavities) 
Primary competitors for the boxes were chickadees, titmice, wrens, 
House Sparrows, and wasps. 
As most people know, there are more than 210 bluebird boxes in 
Illinois — unfortunately, many people did not report their data. (| personally 
know of 75 boxes for which no data were reported.) | am grateful to those 
who did report even a few nestings. All information is desired, and impor- 
tant, if we wish to determine the bluebird’s actual status in Illinois. 
| thank the following for contributing 1976 data: Thelma Bird, Bernice 
and Warren L. Buck, Mahlon K. Mahoney, Lynn McKeown, Michael Morri- 
son, Alice Rakers, Maurice Reed, Daniel E. Remus, John Slachter, and Lucas 
Wrischnik. Contributing counties were: Adams, 41 (boxes); Crawford, 50; 
DuPage, 2; Lawrence, 5; Montgomery, 99; Warren, 2; Williamson, 13; and 
Woodford, 3. | 
So that we may all learn more about Eastern Bluebirds, | urge everyone 
to report any data that they may know of, no matter how little. Information 
such as that in the above table (with the addition of number of nestings or 
clutches involved) will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged. Please 
submit all 1977 data by 31 August. 
—-P.©. Box 2503 
Carbondale, IL 62901 
