The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

Bird houses trying to lure back bluebirds

High Prairie News for Feb. 21

February 19, 2013

By Audrey Bentz

365-3600

amsong@gorge.net

High Prairians are starting to watch for the first appearance of the Western Bluebird! Although this beautiful bluebird (originally called "blue robin") once frequented the country , 90 percent of the bluebird population neared extinction over the last couple centuries, allegedly due to the import of starlings, DDT, etc.

So around 14 years ago, a few newcomers to High Prairie (Tom Doll, Rob Taylor, Myrin Bentz and others) began making the specifically measured bluebird houses in an effort to lure them back. The bird houses were distributed to newcomers, sold at our annual "Firehouse Sale" and just simply erected in any areas that needed coverage.

With probably a couple hundred bluebird houses now gracing High Prairie, these beautiful streaks of blue now create a rather common habitat for our residents to enjoy. Sold at a very reasonable price, they will be available again in May at our annual Firehouse Sale.

Some High Prairians have worked together also building a greenhouse for the community "Garden of Weedin" near the Taylor residence, and are beginning to plan starts of many vegetables that will be sold at the Firehouse Sale.