Game Commission introduces students to bluebirds

Thanks to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, students in Jefferson County have learned about nesting Eastern Bluebirds since 1995. Wildlife Conservation Officer Michael Girosky worked with schools in his district to supply nestboxes and has seen the program catch students' interest.


"Teachers and PTAs call to request it, and I hear more positive feedback about this program than any other activity I am involved in," Girosky said. "I have high school students telling me how they have continued to maintain and build more boxes on their own just because they were introduced to the bluebirds way back in the fifth grade.

"I will attempt to continue this program as long as possible because it not only gives the children a outstanding and unique opportunity to learn about and help the bluebirds; it is the best program that I have found to bring the Game Commission into the classroom on a neutral subject that all can agree on and shows us in the best light to the kids, parents, teachers and administration of the schools in the community."

The commission says early to mid-March is the right time to offer clean nestboxes. For oodles of details, visit the North American Bluebird Society.

Photo courtesy of PGC/Jake Dingel