Like usTexas Bluebird Society
The Texas Bluebird Society is an all-volunteer grassroots organization helping bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds through increasing nesting sites while sustaining and increasing their food supply (insects and berries of native plants).
TBS presents two educational events each year: our Season Kickoff in February and our Summer Symposium in August. Come join us for great information from our presenters, enjoy the outstanding camaraderie of other bluebirders, and participate in our FUNdraising auctions. We promote bluebirds by serving as knowledgeable presenters and by organizing bluebird booths at various events across the state throughout the year. Check the Events tab to see our activities.
At the heart of TBS efforts is the construction, distribution, and sale of a "well-suited for Texas" bluebird nestbox,* known as the "Texas Nestbox." We have built over 9000 nestboxes since 2002. This is quite an accomplishment. Think of the difference TBS is making in preserving, studying, and promoting these beautiful birds.
Come, learn and work and enjoy with us. Join us in our efforts to promote "Bluebirds across Texas . . . one nestbox at a time!"
* a "nestbox" may be called "birdhouse" or "nesting box."
Upcoming Events
Saturday, 06/08/2013 - 24th Annual Blueberry Festival - Nacogdoches, TX
Saturday, 08/10/2013 - TBS 2013 Summer Symposium - Mount Pleasant, TX
News & Announcements
ARE YOUR NESTBOXES BOTHERED BY ...
Snakes, English sparrows, 4-legged Critters?
Check out our Nestbox Recommendations for information on the Universal Sparrow Trap and Kingston Stove Pipe Baffle. Our ingenious and resourceful members have devised many ways to twart predators including adding a "tutu-like" skirt to entangle snakes. Click on the "Nestbox Recommendations" tab on the Resources page. We provide a link you can use to order the trap directly and a link to building plans for the baffle. The "Texas nestbox" we sell is customized for the Universal Sparrow Trap (with screws under the hole). We also sell baffle kits at our Summer Symposium and Kickoff Seminar.
HELP TO COMBAT TEXAS HEAT
Texas Bluebird Society recommends the addition of white or light-colored
paint and/or a set of HeatShields, to weathered nestboxes, unless they
are shaded from late afternoon sun. 2011 heat studies conclusively revealed
that as a nestboxes darkens with age, the interior temperatures jump
dramatically.
Discarded political signs with a white back side can be recycled as HeatShields. With a pen knife, trim rectangles identical in size to the top, sides, and back of the weathered nestbox. Affix to nestbox with screws using tubing to create one-half inch (approximately) of air space. You can see plans for the HeatShield under the Nestbox Recommendations. You can also buy pre-made heatshields at our Summer Symposium and Kickoff Seminar. Click on the "Nestbox Recommendations" tab on the Resources page.
Come join us at the 2013 Summer Symposium in beautiful East Texas!
Texas Bluebird Society 2013 Summer Symposium will be held in Mount Pleasant, TX, in the heart of Northeast Texas on August 10, 2013. Mount Pleasant was once home to the Caddo Indians and has served as the county seat of Titus County since 1846, just a few months after Texas became a state. Mount Pleasant, known for its outstanding beauty, is surrounded by seven lakes and numerous beautiful parks.
The symposium will take place at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center with plenty of room for our featured speakers Keith Kridler and Belinda McLaughlin, lunch, and the not-to-be-missed FUNdraising Auction. Keith, who lives in Mount Pleasant, is a renowned author, speaker and naturalist. Belinda, who also lives in Northeast Texas, is a native plant enthusiast and a past president of the Native Plant Society of Texas. Belinda is actively involved with promoting native plants and conservation.
A box lunch at the Symposium will allow plenty of time for visiting our various information booths and to participate in the Silent Auction.
We're sure you'll enjoy your day with us. Leave plenty of time to see Mount Pleasant and to explore the area!
Photos above courtesy of the City of Mount Pleasant
We've negotiated with La Quinta Inn and Suites for a special rate ($74.99) for Symposium attendees. Just call (903) 572-5514 and ask for the Texas Bluebird Society Group Rate.
Please join us for our Friday Evening Social: a BBQ dinner buffet at 7pm. Happy Hour starts at 6pm with byob drinks. Margaritas are available for a donation.
Click here and scroll down to 2013 Summer Symposium for more information and registration form.
