MDC offering free bluebird ecology and nest box building programs March 9 in Kansas City

Kansas City, Mo. – The eastern bluebird is lovely to see and beneficial to people with its insect eating diet. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for free programs to learn about bluebirds and build nest boxes for them on Saturday, March 9, at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City.

• Exhibits and presentations about bluebirds will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This program is for all ages. Registration is not required. Learn about the ecology and habits of a bird with cheerful songs and striking bright blue and rusty brown plumage.
• Build a bluebird nesting box with materials and instruction provided by MDC from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bluebird populations have dwindled in past decades due to habitat loss and competition from non-native bird species. But people can help by providing nest boxes. This class is open to participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/47h.
• A bluebird nest box building class will also be offered from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. This class is open to participants ages 12 and older. Parents or guardians must be present to assist children. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/478.

Bluebirds are among the prettiest wild birds seen in Missouri, which is why they are the state’s official bird. To learn more about them, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/47B. For information about the Gorman Discovery Center, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter.