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Michigan Bluebird Society
Experiencing the Joy of Bluebirds!
WELCOME TO THE MICHIGAN BLUEBIRD SOCIETY!
Helping bluebirds since 2004!
Male bluebird feeding a female bluebird - photo courtesy of Dave Kinneer
The Michigan Bluebird Society is a group of individuals dedicated to helping bluebirds and other native cavity nesting bird species in the state of Michigan. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society.
Why There is a Need to Help Bluebirds and What You Can Do
Because of habitat loss, environmental pollution, and competition of non-native bird species (House Sparrows and European Starlings), bluebirds have suffered large declines compared to their original numbers. However, bluebirds have been shown to thrive in areas where there is human-provided housing that is actively monitored. As a result, through the efforts of many people, bluebirds have increased in numbers in the last 15 years. Putting up a nest box is the easiest and most important thing you can do. Not only are you helping bluebirds to populate, but watching a pair of adults build a nest, lay eggs, and feed their young is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you will ever experience. Just ask any bluebird landlord - you'll be hooked and changed forever!
The Michigan Bluebird Society is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society.
Video: Learn How To Become A Bluebird Landlord in 8 Minutes
Michigan Bluebird News......
Extremely cold weather
Winter has arrived and it is not taking long to show us how nasty winter can be. Predictions are for colder days than we have experienced since 2019. If you do have bluebirds (and other birds) around please remember them when the weather is so cold. It is much harder for them to find food now, so help them out. See our Feeding Bluebirds page for ideas on how to help them.
Julie Zickefoose - the Keynote Speaker at our upcoming Spring Festival - has shared her Zick Dough recipe with us. See below. She advises that it is very rich and should only be used in the winter. It can help already stressed birds like Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, Nuthatch, Titmouse and many others get through these frigid days ahead. Do not feed after weather warms up.
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup lard (no, veg shortening doesn’t work)
2 cups quick oats
2 cups unmedicated chick starter pellets
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 1/2 cups flour
Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.
Melt fats together in microwave until liquid.
Pour into dry mix while stirring.
Zick Dough should be loose and crumbly. Store in jars. Does not need refrigeration.
Break up large chunks, serve in small feeder protected from rain and close to a window where you can watch to keep starlings away. Much appreciated by all the best birds.
Birds will also have trouble finding water sources in this cold weather. If you do not have a heated bird bath or a heater for your bird bath do consider purhasing one. The birds will appreciate it!
Please don't hesitate to contact MBS with any questions or problems you might have. We are available to assist you in your bluebirding efforts. To find a County Coordinator near you or for a general contact at the MBS, please go to Contact Us.
OUR MISSION
To improve the nesting success of the Eastern Bluebird & other native cavity-nesting birds in the state of Michigan through education of our members and the general public, as well as promoting active nest box management and habitat improvement.
We strongly believe in diversity, equity and inclusion of all without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to welcome and engage with ALL. - the Michigan Bluebird Society
2025 SPRING BLUEBIRD FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Prince Conference Center at Calvin University
MBS Does Bluebird Programs
If you would like someone to do an interesting program on bluebirds for your group,contact MBS to schedule a day and time. We can do talks to nature groups, civic organizations, schools, gardenclubs, etc. in most areas of the state. Go to our Contact Us page, and send a message to the Coordinator for your county. If there is not one for your county, contact Kurt Hagemeister, MBS President.
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of Bloomfield Hills, MI
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of Ann Arbor, MI
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of East Lansing, MI
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of Granger,IN
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of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
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of Kentwood, MI
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of Macomb, MI
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of Woodhaven, MI
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of Lansing, MI
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