Every spring, residents of all ages from Saskatoon travel south to join the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail as citizen scientists. This 80-kilometer trail, established in 1969, runs from just south of Langham to north of Hanley. Nest boxes placed every 400 meters along fences serve as artificial tree cavities, offering essential habitats for migrating birds monitored by dedicated volunteers.
Monitoring Bird Populations
Greg Fenty, a biologist and retired environmental educator with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists through the Saskatoon Nature Society, leads the volunteer efforts. “The Bluebird Trail consists of nest boxes along a rural road, monitored for bluebirds and tree swallows to track productivity, fledgling numbers, and survivorship,” Fenty explains.
These observations help track population trends over time. Mountain bluebird numbers declined sharply until the 1950s due to habitat loss and pesticides, but conservation initiatives reversed the trend. Bluebirds live up to eight years on average and migrate over 3,000 kilometers south each year.
Hands-On Learning for Volunteers
Volunteers receive training from Fenty, who holds a scientific permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service for banding birds. Participants learn to handle and band birds safely, distinguish males from females, and identify species by nest materials, egg colors, and physical traits.
“Kids check the boxes for egg counts and identify species by nest material, egg color, and the birds themselves,” Fenty says. Adults reconnect with nature alongside their children, while kids gain insights into bird life cycles.
Family Connections to Nature
Pi Srithammawut, who moved to Canada with his family in 2024, volunteers with his son Pacer to explore their new environment. “How do birds hatch? How do they care for their families?” Srithammawut wonders. “I want Pacer to experience not just humans, but nature—our fellow earth dwellers.”
Betty McBride brings her grandchildren, noting their joy in holding fledglings. “We enjoy time outdoors instead of being inside,” she says. “My grandson spots birds better than I do now—it’s sparked his interest.”
Inspiring Future Careers
Maycie McWillie, who volunteered as a child, credits the trail for her path to biology. “It ignited my passion for birds and naturalism, launching my career,” she recalls. “The hands-on participation shows you can actively contribute, pushing toward fieldwork.”
Banded bluebirds often return to the same boxes, as Fenty has observed. In early spring, the Saskatoon Young Naturalists host workshops where kids build replacement nest boxes for worn ones.
Monitoring and banding ramp up by late May under Fenty’s supervision. “Many programs get people outdoors for fun,” Fenty notes. “This one maintains scientific rigor, teaching biodiversity hands-on.”
