BLUEBIRD BOXES: When it comes to attracting bluebirds -- 
"if you build it, they will come." That's coming up on 
Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Not all birds nest in trees.

[sfx ... .bluebird song]

In fact, bluebirds are actually a cavity dwelling species in 
need of holes to build their homes. Habitat loss has 
diminished their housing opportunities, but bluebird 
enthusiasts are rolling out the welcome mat with man-
made nest boxes. 

16 -- It's a rectangular box. In Texas we make it with a large 
overhanging roof, to protect from the sun. The dimensions are 
a little larger, that's because our birds need more air because 
it's so hot. Our birds need to be protected from the heat.

Pauline Tom is with the Texas Bluebird Society. The hole 
of bluebird nest box is about one and a half 
inches ... perfect for a bluebird, not so great for a 
European Starling.

16 -- These birds came over from England in the mid 1800's. It 
was like bringing fire ants in, a terrible, terrible pest. And so 
they'll take the cavities that our native birds need, and they'll 
actually destroy the eggs and the nestling.

For information on how to build you own nest box, log on 
to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site. If you do take on 
the responsibility of a blue bird nest box ... 

09 -- You would clean out the nest box when the birds fledge. 
The nest box is used over and over.

That's our show for today. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, 
I'm Cecilia Nasti.




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Maximum Script time:	 	0:44.0	 Suggested show time: 86.0 = 1:26