Game & Fish to host 'A Bed for Bluebirds' workshop
EL DORADO – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is scheduling a special hands-on event for nature lovers in coordination with South Arkansas Community College.
“A Bed for Bluebirds” will focus on bringing some feathered friends to backyards by building and decorating birdhouses. The workshop is part of a quarterly education series administered by the AGFC at South Arkansas Community College.
Anyone may register for any of the free workshops as long as space is available. According to Laura Rogers, regional education coordinator for the AGFC, homeowners can better their chances of having bluebirds nest in their yards by building nesting boxes with the proper dimensions.
“The Eastern bluebird is one species that will nest in an artificial cavity,” Rogers said. “And if you make the hole the right size, larger bird species will not be able to use it. And once bluebirds find a place they like, they will return year-after-year.”
Attracting bluebirds offers additional benefits to homeowners than the enjoyment of following along as they nest, lay eggs and hatch chicks. Bluebirds eat many types of insects, so they offer a natural alternative to insecticides.
“Insecticides can harm butterflies and other insects that pollinate flowers and gardens, so a natural alternative is always a better choice,” Rogers said.
All materials to build birdhouses will be provided, and instructors will help people one-on-one if needed to complete their project. They will also share some tips to get the birds started using the boxes.
“A Bed for Bluebirds” will be held at 6 p.m. on March 9 at South Arkansas Community College East Campus. Registration is required by calling 870-864-7192. Visit http://www. agfc. com/ Pages/eventDetails. aspx?show=3846 for more information.