7th Annual
Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania Conference

Dr. Scott Shalaway, author, biologist, and talk show host, and other well-known naturalists will help you attract and conserve the Eastern bluebird at the seventh Annual Conference of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania (BSP). Whether you know little about this attractive bird, or monitor your own trail, there is something for everyone. The event will occur Friday evening, March 4 through Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the Tonidale Restaurant/Banquet Facility in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. 

In order to conserve the Eastern bluebird, we must first understand them.  The conference will educate and entertain attendees on a range of topics regarding the species, including monitoring nest boxes and citizen science.  On Friday evening, join the social while becoming acquainted with the "Birds in Your Backyard" with Andrew Ohrman, BSP and Audubon Member. On Saturday, Raccoon State Park’s Patrick Adams will share local bluebird successes and ways to become involved to help birds at this popular park. Dr. Scott Shalaway will enlighten attendees on the natural history of cavity nesting birds such as the bluebird. Finally, co-founder of the New York State Bluebird Society and biologist, John H. Rogers will discuss all you need to know about bluebirds in order to enjoy their flight antics year round. The Purple Martin Conservation Association, National Aviary, Southwestern Audubon Society at Beechwood Farms and the Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center will be represented as well. Auctions, raffles, vendors, and a bluebird roundtable discussion will punctuate the day's activities. If you would like to donate to the Auction please contact Joan Watroba at 717-766-2102. 

In the 1900's, Eastern bluebird populations plummeted by 90 percent throughout their range, and were absent from many areas in Pennsylvania.  The bluebird uses cavities in dead and dying trees for nesting, but this habitat was, and still is, commonly destroyed by human activities such as urban development and the reverting of abandoned farmland. In the late 60's and 70's, a grassroots effort rose up nationwide to erect and monitor artificial nesting boxes along what are called "bluebird trails." These volunteer-driven trails have helped bring bluebirds back to the fields of Pennsylvania. 

Registration fee of $30 includes lunch, snack breaks, Friday evening social at 7pm, and all conference activities. The Friday night social begins at 7pm, with the Conference starting on Saturday March 5th at 9:00am and ending at 4:30pm. The Tonidale Restaurant/Banquet Facility is located at 7001 Old Steubenville Pike in Oakdale, PA, and can be reached at 412-787-8160. To pre-register, please contact Joan Watroba, or the county coordinators for either Washington and Greene counties, Lisa Wheeler at 724-852-6369, or for Allegheny county, Marcia Maslonek at 412-777-2464. 

The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania (BSP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the eastern bluebird in Pennsylvania. As an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society, the BSP has experienced the most rapid growth of any state affiliate, with a membership of over 1,200 individuals. The BSP's website at http://www.thebsp.org and quarterly newsletter serve as a clearinghouse for bluebird information, such as nest box designs and monitoring information. The BSP has an extensive county coordinator network to provide expertise and outreach to communities and youth. County coordinators for Washington and Greene is Lisa Wheeler at 724-852-6369, and for Allegheny, Marcia Maslonek at 412-777-2464.