Steve Smith and his wife Ann are charter members of the Missouri Bluebird Society, an organization for which Steve now sits on the Board of Directors. Steve's interest in birding began early when his dad shared an interest in Eastern Bluebirds. This species underwent a steep population decline throughout the 1800's and most of the 20th century due to removal of nest cavity trees and fierce competition with the introduced European Starling and English House Sparrow. Luckly, Eastern Bluebirds take readily to nest boxes and placing of bluebird boxes has contributed greatly to their conservation.
Often, Bluebird boxes are placed along a monitoring route known as a "Bluebird Trail". Steve has established four such trails with a total of 30 nest boxes, and is responsible for the maintenance and nest-productivity monitoring of these trails. Data and photos are sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Nestwatch program. Steve speaks about the ecology and conservation of Eastern Bluebirds and his experiences with establishing and monitoring Bluebird Trails at a variety of public events. In this way, he works to increase awareness for and invovement in cavity-nesting species conservation.
Steve has also turned his love for cavity-nesting birds into a thriving business. He hand-crafts 23 different quality nest boxes for both primary and secondary cavity nesters, as well as five unique feeders. Please visit Steve at www.nedsnestingboxes.com to view and purchase his boxes.
Steve Smith of rural Sullivan, MO works to educate local residents about the conservation of Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. He also builds an incredible array of nesting boxes that are tailored for 20 different species, including Prothonotary Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Duck, and Eastern Screech Owl, as well as specialized houses for bats and butterflies.
Conservation in Missouri through research, education, and outreach
Staff| Board of Directors | Partnerships | Migration Banding | Marshbird Surveys | MAPS | Backyard Banding
Interns and Assistants| Schools | SCCC Classes | Burroughs Audubon | Cole Camp Master Naturalists | Anyone Welcome |
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Contact Information
Director: Dana Ripper: dana.ripper@mrbo.org
Assistant Director: Ethan Duke: ethan.duke@mrbo.org
MRBO Office: 660.886.8788
A 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization located in Marshall, MO
