1. Nesting Abundance and Clutch Size of the Eastern Bluebird. Chris Carson Undergraduate Student, Dept. of Biology Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN. 38505

2. Project Summary Eastern Bluebirds have been studied in many locations but studies have not been conducted in the central portion of Scott County, Tennessee. The objective of this project is to study and make available the nesting abundance and clutch size of the eastern bluebird in the central portion of Scott County, Tennessee. By constructing bluebird nest boxes and monitoring them at 7 to 10 day intervals an average nest abundance and clutch size can be determined.

3. Introduction PROBLEM STATEMENT Eastern Bluebirds have been studied extensively, however their nesting abundance and clutch size has not been studied in the central portion of Scott County.

4. What’s the purpose? Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are secondary cavity nesters that experienced a population decline in the later part of the 19 th century due to habitat loss and competition from exotic species. (Radunzel, L.A. et al. 1997) “Placement of nest boxes in suitable habitat can increase populations of cavity nesting birds, especially if natural cavities are limiting” (Parren, S.G., 1991).

5. Objective Statement The objective of this project is to make available, the nesting abundance and clutch size of the eastern bluebird in the central portion of Scott County, TN.

6. Hypothesis Statement The average clutch size of the eastern bluebird varies widely in artificial nest boxes.

7. Methods and Materials Artificial nest boxes were constructed from 2.54cm x 15.24 x 304.8cm boards. Nest boxes were constructed using plans provided in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources publication Wildlife Management for Tennessee Landowners. All nest boxes will be placed at a height of 1.50 meters and a minimum distance of 100 meters from other boxes. The boxes will be spread out over a 404.68 hectare family farm in Scott County, Tennessee. The boxes will be monitored for activity at 7 to 10 day intervals. Bluebird Data FormBluebird Data Form A average of nest box activity and clutch size will be conducted to determine the clutch size and nesting success for bluebirds in the central part of Scott County, TN.

8. Expected Results and Benefits My expectation is that the eastern bluebird will have a nesting success of approximately 80%. The average nesting abundance and clutch size can be used to determine the fecundity of the species.

9. Project Timeline Research Topic/TitleWeek 1-2 Library Literature SearchWeek 2-4 Scientific Method (Objective/Hypothesis Statement)Week 3-6 Research Proposal Key WordsWeek 4-7 Web PageWeek 5-9 Data Form / Format Midterm OutlineWeek 6-7 Research (compiled and analyzed data, completed research)Week 6-7 Midterm (gave research proposal presentation)Week 7 Spring BreakWeek 8-9 Platform presentation (started developing presentation)Week 10 Develop a resume and Ethics statementWeek 11 Design poster and had the manuscript evaluated.Week12 Write a research progress reportWeek 13 Rewrite the research proposal as a research proposal applicationWeek 14 Time for the platform presentationWeek 15

10. Literature Cited Parren, S.G., Wildlife Society Bulletin. 1991. Evaluation of Nest-Box Sites Selected by Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and House Wrens. 19 : 270-277. Pitts, D.T.,1988. Journal of Field Ornithology. Effects of Nest Box Size on Eastern Bluebird Nests. 59-4: 309-313. Radunzel, L. A. and Muschitz, D.M. 1997. Journal of Field Ornithology. A Long-Term Study of the Breeding Success of Eastern Bluebirds by Year and Cavity Type. 68:7-18.

11. Budget