Tree Swallow, with nesting material in beak, perched by nestbox home on Putah Creek.
Putah Creek Nestbox Highway
The Putah Creek Nestbox Highway (PCNH), a combined research and conservation program for cavity-nesting birds, was established in 2000 to provide breeding and overwintering habitat for these important species. Many cavity nesters have suffered significant population declines in Central Valley agricultural landscapes, largely as a result of deforestation and competition with exotic species. This project maintains approximately 200 boxes in several trails arranged along a 20-mile stretch of lower Putah Creek. Boxes are monitored during the breeding season to assess productivity and reproductive success. In addition, color banding and ancillary surveys (point counts, transect counts, and mist-netting) track population dynamics, dispersal and survivorship and assess the effect of nest box augmentation on the avian community. 2008 saw the production of our 4000th fledgling, an event marking a significant contribution to the conservation of declining songbird species in the Central Valley. In particular, the PCNH has been valuable in helping to restore Western Bluebirds to Putah Creek and adjacent habitats. Analysis has shown a positive relationship between Western Bluebird population density and nestbox chick output. Future directions include a new program to promote the use of cavity nesting birds in sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management.
Nestbox News
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