Conference to discuss bluebirds

A bluebird at a feeder.

A conference on steps being taken to restore bluebird populations in Pennsylvania will be held April 4-5 at Toftrees Conference Center in State College.

I t 's sponsored by the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania. Decades ago, eastern bluebird populations plummeted by 90 percent and were absent from many areas in Pennsylvania. The species uses cavities in dead or dying trees for nesting, but this habitat is commonly destroyed by human activities.

A grassroots effort has risen up to erect and monitor artificial nest boxes along "bluebird trails." Additional information on the April 4-5 conference is available online at thebsp.org.