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Association Activities and Services
BRAW’s volunteer sand members generously donate thousands of hours annually to ensure that bluebirds and other cavity nesters survive and thrive in Wisconsin.
Key things that BRAW does:
CREATES AWARENESS ...
... of challenges faced by cavity nesting birds. In 1964 there were only an estimated 600 nesting bluebird pairs left in the state. The decline was most likely due to multiple factors, e.g., changing agricultural practices, competition with English sparrows and starlings, weather, lack of suitable nest cavities, and habitat loss. Each year BRAW members’ nest boxes alone fledge thousands of bluebirds, plus numerous tree swallows, chickadees and other birds.
EDUCATES STATE RESIDENTS...
... about building, locating, maintaining and monitoring nest boxes. BRAW’s 900 members who maintain and monitor over 7,000 nest boxes throughout the state bring a wealth of experience to those wanting to learn how to do it.
COORDINATES STATEWIDE CONSERVATION EFFORTS...
... geared to sustaining bluebird populations and creating habitat for all cavity nesters. BRAW’s County Contacts facilitate these efforts, plus serve as “go to” help sources.
SERVES AS AN ONLINE RESOURCE...
... for organizations and individuals to obtain information about bluebirds. Our website www.BRAW.org supplies a wide array of useful resources.
CONDUCTS SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS...
... to promote building, monitoring and maintaining nest box trails. From garden expos to seed store seminars to school workshops, BRAW members spend hours in face-to-face contact with the public.
KEEPS MEMBERS INFORMED...
... via a quarterly newsletter Wisconsin Bluebird, social media, emails, and an Annual Convention that features informative speakers. Networking focuses on sharing best practices for nesting success and practical experience.
SPEAKS for BIRDS...
...While not lobbyists, its officers and Board of Directors publicly voice BRAW’s opinion about issues that impact birds, especially cavity nesters. For example, with help from the North American Bluebird Society and elected representatives, BRAW was able to get Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) properties in Wisconsin opened for erecting bluebird nest boxes.
SUPPORTS RESEARCH...
... BRAW provides funds for field research that helps improve nest box design, as well as refines management tools to increase fledgling production. Current studies have looked at use of wren guards and skylight next boxes to discourage House Sparrows. Data submitted by members are analyzed for trends and insights about annual bluebird production.