About Us

NYSBS History

The New York State Bluebird Society and Bringing Bluebirds Back

The decline of bluebirds was recognized in the 1950s and 1960s. Lawrence Zeleny, author of The Bluebird, How You Can Help Its Fight For Survival, and those he influenced, urged that nest boxes be erected to replace lost natural cavities.

Bluebirds have become a passion among conservation-minded individuals. Trails of nesting boxes were established throughout North America.

In the 1970s, Fran Hanes, John Rogers, Paul Wilson, and others started building and installing nest boxes. After attending the 1982 North American Bluebird Society convention, they decided to form a group for New York State. The New York Bluebird Society was organized that year. Their efforts, along with ongoing programs, have effectively helped restore Eastern Bluebird and other cavity-nesting bird populations in the region.

The first newsletter announced the Society’s inaugural meeting, held April 17, 1983, at Lake Forest Sportsman’s Club in Brewerton. Fran Hanes, first president, presided. Spring and fall meetings have been held each year since. Membership in the Society has grown to over a thousand. The financial future of the Society was secured by Fran Hanes’ generous bequest and the proceeds from hosting the 2004 NABS convention at Ithaca. Memberships, donations, sales, and bequests help fund the Society’s programs each year.

What Has Been Accomplished?

Thousands of nest boxes have been placed in suitable locations across New York, directly increasing available nesting sites. Data from nest box monitoring projects show improved breeding success rates and a documented rise in bluebird populations. The 2000-2005 Breeding Bird Atlas for New York State demonstrated a 70 percent increase in bluebird populations compared with the 1980-1985 Atlas, reflecting the positive impact of these conservation initiatives.

Publicity and educational activities have increased public awareness of the importance of nest boxes for bluebird conservation. Trade shows and field days reached thousands with exhibits, presentations, and the distribution of educational materials. Educational meetings led to more individuals installing nest boxes and participating in regular monitoring, resulting in higher nesting success rates. Local activities have proven most effective in increasing the use and management of nest boxes. Nest box records provide anecdotal evidence of nesting results.

The Opportunity

Volunteers play key roles in educational programs that continue to improve the nesting success of bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species. NYSBS County Coordinators and Bluebird Ambassadors, working with the State Coordinator, recruit and support volunteers.

The educational activities involve people installing and monitoring nesting boxes in desirable habitats. Nesting boxes in poor habitat, or those subject to predation, are relocated to promising sites or removed. These activities have proven to enhance nesting opportunities for cavity-nesting birds. Annual summaries of nest records document nesting success.

We invite you to join the dedicated bluebird community and actively support the mission of the New York State Bluebird Society to increase Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting populations in New York state through education, research, environmental advocacy, and a statewide nest box program. Get involved today by volunteering, installing nest boxes, or participating in local projects to help us continue bringing back the bluebirds.

Past Presidents of NYSBS

Fran Hanes 1983-1987
Paul Wilson 1987-1990
Ray Briggs 1990-1996
Rich Wells 1996-2000
Dave Smith 2000-2003 & 2004-2006
Dave Heidenreich 2003- 2004
John Ruska 2006-2012
Jenny Murtaugh 2012-2019
Sarah Hodder 2019-

Officers and Directors