About Bluebird Lane Fjords

A male Eastern Bluebird on our Sumac tree (photo by Stefan)

Why the Name Bluebird Lane?

Shortly after moving to our rural property we were inspired by a local bird-enthusiast, Barrie Hopkins, who wrote an article in our local paper about the plight of the Eastern Bluebird.

The species had lost up to 90% of its population through a combination of loss of habitat, wide-spread pesticide use, and competition with non-native starlings and house sparrows.

That year, following Barrie’s published plan, we made and put up four bluebird houses. Since then we have continued to add more, and now our half-mile laneway and all our horse pastures are lined with bluebird houses.

There are definite advantages to providing habitat for the bluebird. In addition to its beauty and happy song, its diet consists almost exclusively of insects and grubs during the summer – a boon for gardeners and farmers.

Long a symbol of love and happiness in poetry and song, the Eastern Bluebird now symbolizes hope as well. The species is reappearing in regions where it hasn’t been seen in years. This recovery is due to grassroots efforts to supply nesting boxes throughout its range.

We named our Fjordhorse farm to honour this beautiful and happy bird.