About The Michigan Bluebird Society
The Michigan Bluebird Society (MBS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in the state of Michigan dedicated to helping the nesting s
uccess of the Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting birds. We accomplish this through the direct improvement of nesting habitats, the placement of nesting boxes, and the education of the public about how to attract more bluebirds.
The Michigan Bluebird Society is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society (NABS) of Miamiville, OH. Currently, NABS has 48 affiliates in the United States and Canada.
History of MBS
The MBS was organized starting in September 2001 by a small group of enthusiastic bluebird-lovers at a meeting at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Over the next 3 years, the group worked to get the group established, culminating in official incorporation as a non-profit organization in 2004. In the early years, MBS exhibited at the Jackson Bluebird Festival at Jackson Community College, meeting many fellow "bluebirders". However, after the 2004 Festival, the event was cancelled due to lack of funding.
The MBS started a quarterly newsletter in 2003 of only two pages. Over the years, the Bluebird Flyer has expanded to its current 8 pages and includes color photographs.
The MBS website was created initially by Maynard Sumner and included lots of articles, photos, links, and a member map. In 2006, the MBS Board developed a new website and moved it to the current MichiganBluebirds.org domain. The new website incorporated new features like expanded information on bluebirds, a member forum, and event calendar.
Over the years, the MBS has done many bluebird talks to groups across the state. In addition, members of MBS have helped establish hundreds if not thousands of new nest boxes which are helping to return bluebird numbers to "the good old days".
Current Activities
MBS currently offers memberships for individuals and families for a modest $15 per year or $40 for 3 years. This membership includes:
- A subscription to the MBS quarterly newsletter The Bluebird Flyer.
- Free attendance to several MBS meeting events per year including lunch and an informative program.
- Access to experienced bluebird "landlord experts" to get answers to problems and questions.
- An updated website full of the latest news and information related to bluebirds.
In addition, MBS volunteers are active in setting up new bluebird trails around Michigan. A recent project at the Lake Bluff Audubon Sanctuary in Manistee has introduced bluebird nesting boxes to this beautiful Lake Michigan property.
Also, MBS has several speakers who are busy each year doing talks on bluebirds to school groups, garden clubs, nature organizations, senior centers, and at other events. Nestbox building workshops are a popular activity that introduces the fun hobby of bluebirders to both adults and children.
MBS also appears at a number of bird-related events and festivals each year in Michigan. Some of the recent events included Cranefest, the Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival at the Dahlem Center, and International Migratory Bird Day at the Potter Park Zoo. 
How You Can Help Bluebirds
First, if you haven't already, join MBS! It's an inexpensive way to "get in the network" of fellow bluebird lovers in Michigan.
Second, volunteer to help with MBS. We always need people to help with spreading the word about bluebirds, administrative tasks, being a County Coordinator, or building nest boxes. You don't need experience or to be a bluebird expert to help. Just a friendly smile and a desire to help bluebirds is all you need!
Third, put up a nest box in your yard or somewhere nearby where you see bluebirds. Then, monitor the box or make sure someone else does.
Finally, learn more about bluebirds. Use the resources and links on this website, or check out the great books listed on our Books page.
Michigan Bluebird Society PO Box 2028 Ann Arbor MI 48106-2028
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