Kenton County Parks & Recreation and Kenton County Public Library – Wm. E. Durr branch will present a program about Eastern Bluebirds on Monday, April 7. First, a workshop in which participants will learn about nestboxes and how and where to install them will begin at 7:00 pm.

Following the workshop on Monday night, beginning at about 7:30 pm, a short meeting will be held for those interested in becoming monitors for the Northern Kentucky Bluebird Trail.

What does a monitor do? Monitors generally work in teams of two from May and into August, and record their observations for a series of numbered nestboxes, noting such data as first nest-building activity and which species is using the nestbox. Other important data is collected, such as when the first eggs appear, date of the first hatch, and when the brood "fledges", or leaves the nestboxes as self-supporting individuals. Monitors also remove pests from the nestboxes, such as wasps, ants, and blowflies.

Each monitor will receive a packet of information, including a booklet titled "Eastern Bluebirds - Nesting Structure Design and Placement", which is also available from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service (call 356-3155), and a list of related Internet sites to visit.

Why do folks enjoy monitoring? "Monitoring is a once-a-week walk in the park involving some minimal record-keeping. It's an outdoor activity that may take an hour or so," says Steve Trauger, Kenton County Recreation Programs Coordinator. "It's the thrill of discovery and experiencing first-hand, the wonder of nature. Knowing that you are helping Mother Nature and that you are doing a good thing is what it's all about. And, you never know what other wildlife you'll see on your weekly forays into the parks!"

The Wm. E.  Durr Library is located at 1992 Walton-Nicholson Rd., Independence.

With spring just around the corner, Eastern Bluebirds may soon be scouting for new nesting sites.  And you can help get ready for new home occupancy! The Bluebirds are coming!  The Bluebirds are coming!

Call Kenton County Recreation at (859) 525-PLAY (7529) to see how you can help – we are always in need of volunteers and funding sponsors for our programs!

For news of upcoming programs, activities, and events to be held in Kenton County's parks, call the Recreation office at (859) 525-PLAY (7529).