More than 40 people gathered at Groen Park in Chatfield on Sept. 17 for the sixth annual Southeast Minnesota Bluebirders picnic.
The group had a potluck lunch hosted by Bill and Mary Bailey of Chatfield and then heard state coordinators speak and offer advice on successfull bluebirding.
People turned in their annual reports, which will be tallied and gathered into a directory that will tell the fledging (baby bluebirds that successfully fly from the nest) results by individual, county and state. Last year, members and trail monitors reported fledging over 16,500 baby bluebirds, a record for Minnesota.
Keith Radel, state coordinator, speaks to the group about proper nest box style and placement.
State coordinator Carrol Johnson speaks to the group about the importance of trail monitoring and networking with other bluebirders.
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Mike Jeresek of Rushford tells about his successful effort to discover a way to save baby bluebirds from deadly gnats this season
Bluebirders enjoy the traditional potluck lunch while they share stories of their experiences helping bluebirds this season. Tami Jones of Marion is on the left; Bill Bailey of Chatfield is on the right.
Photos and information submitted by Mary C. Bailey, county coordinator, Olmsted and Fillmore Counties, MN Bluebird Recovery Program.
