Abstract:
Bluebirds are year-round residents of North Carolina. In recent years the species has been in decline because of pesticide use, dwindling habitats, and competition from aggressive non-native species. Conservationists say the best hope for the bird's comeback is wide-spread placement of nest boxes. In 1973, Jack Finch founded Homes for Bluebirds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the bluebird's habitat. The organization has built and sold tens of thousands of boxes in North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. One worker, Desma Perry, has built 70,000 boxes in the past twenty-five years.