Although the official start of spring is over a month away, bluebirds and several other species are beginning to build nests.With that in mind, Paul Servis and Bill Walker, two of the bluebird monitors at Belle Isle State Park, made the rounds last week to inspect bluebird houses and place additional ones.
In 2009, members of the Northern Neck Master Naturalist chapter asked to revive the bluebird trail at Belle Isle State Park.The bird houses were installed by an Eagle Scout several years before, but had fallen into disrepair.An initial inspection revealed no bluebird nest, but plenty of wasps.
Audubon members repaired or replaced several bird houses, and added guards to keep snakes and other unwanted animals out of the houses.Most of the houses were reoriented or relocated in hopes the blue birds would approve and move in.
Every week, a team of two monitors surveyed the trail by Gator, which is like a four-wheel drivegolf cart, and recorded the results.Seventy-seven bluebird eggs resulted in 67 new bluebirds.Five chickadee eggs resulted in all five reaching fledgling stage.In 2010, over 90 bluebirds fledged.
For 2011, the monitors have added houses for promontory warblers and black-headed nuthatches, two species of concern in the Northern Neck.
In 2009 Belle Isle was named a “Top Birding Spot” by users of Reserve America.Over 150 species have birds have been recorded at the park, including bald eagles, a thriving osprey population, and several species of songbirds.
Reservations for camping may be made through our reservation center by calling 800 933 7275. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but is closed all state holidays. You can also make reservations on line any time day or night. Reservations may be made up to eleven months in advance. Same day camping and cabin reservations, when sites are available, must be made through the reservation center.