All About Bluebirds: Hike Scheduled At Flanders

WOODBURY — Flanders Nature Center has a Bluebird Trail with 20 bluebird boxes.

For anyone interested in exploring the trail, learning how many bluebirds flighted last year at the Nature Center, how many eggs are usually in a nest, what bluebirds eat and other information about bluebirds, Flanders will host an “All About Bluebirds” program.

All admirers of these intriguing birds can find the answers by joining Flanders’ bluebird expert, Mike Amodeo, on a hike around Flanders Bluebird Trail on Sunday, May 21, from 1 to 3 pm, to observe and learn about these beautiful creatures. Old and young are invited.

After a brief overview, with fact sheets distributed, participants will walk the Flanders Bluebird Trail in search of nests under construction, or completed nests, as well as stopping to peek inside these active nest boxes. Bluebirds are early-in-the-season nesters and can build a shelter more than once in a season; there is a nest box at Flanders that was occupied three times last year.

In addition, participants will be given a bluebird nesting box kit to take home which will provide a new home to bluebirds where one can observe close-hand their habits and daily patterns.

For the children, there will be face-painting with naturalist Dianne Parmelee, who will be joining Mr Amodeo in this program.  

Walkers should expect to spend about two hours on the trail, and to be prepared with proper footwear as the trail can be wet in areas during early spring.  There will be much to photograph, so bring cameras.

The group will meet at the Flanders Trail House on Church Hill Road, one-quarter of a mile east of Flanders Road.

Cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. To reserve a place, call 203-263-3711, extension 10.