Selected as the Missouri state bird in 1927, the eastern bluebird was "a symbol of happiness" the Legislature said.
With a pleasing color, delightful song and non-aggressive manner, the bluebird can be invited to backyard birdhouses or those maintained along a trail.
The Missouri Bluebird Society, which held its annual conference in Jefferson City this weekend, would like to establish a "Governor's Bluebird Trail" with a start of five boxes installed on the Capitol grounds, said board secretary Regina Garr.
Most members of the society maintain multiple boxes or trails.
Since the bluebird is a state symbol, the society hoped to share its subject with the state.
Garr and her husband, Steve, who is the society president, have developed a trail of 14 boxes on public property in Jefferson City.
Recently, four new boxes have been added along Hyde Park and represent the appearance the society would like to see at the Capitol Complex.
More than 50 bird enthusiasts from across the state, and some from neighboring states, gathered for three days of speakers, workshops and excursions based out of Lincoln University's George Washington Carver Farm.
At the opening event Friday evening, members discussed novel experiences with their boxes and backyards before North American cavity dweller expert Bet Zimmerman Smith discussed some bluebird oddities.
"I love finding the unexpected," Smith said.
Photos submitted to her from around the world have yielded some fantastic natural wonders, such as white or double-shelled eggs and nests built inside electric breaker panels.
"I get to see all these cool things I would never see myself," Smith said, thanking Missouri birders who have submitted photos.
Another highlight of the ninth annual conference was this morning's visit to the home of Norm and Beth Stucky along the Moreau River.
The couple has developed specific habitats across their 130 acres, such as old wetlands, prairie, timber and old fields.
"Each attracts a different type of wildlife, different birds," Norm Stucky said.
The Stuckys have developed miles of mowed trails, which they follow on their daily wildlife viewing runs.
The network of trails cross each of the habitat types for new discoveries each visit.
"It's our passion," Beth Stucky said.
The couple also has been involved with the Missouri Bluebird Society from its inception.
Each morning, the Stuckys enjoy watching a bluebird pair and their brood. The birds come to the bell the Stuckys ring after filling the feeder with live mealworms, also raised by the Stuckys.
"They do fascinating things you don't think about," Norm Stucky said.
Links:
missouribluebird.wordpress.com
mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/common-plants-and-animals/birds/missouris-bluebirds