Don Stiles has been Bluebird monitoring since 1977

Since he has been at it so long, he has become the Godfather of all bluebird trail monitors in the Calgary region. Don takes care of 100 birdhouses east of Didsbury where he grew up. He visits every birdhouse four times a year to count the eggs, band the birds and clean out the nests. He would like to invite you to join him on one of these tours and see for yourself how much fun it can be to care for these beautiful birds. You are also welcome to set up some birdhouses and join our Nestbox Monitors Club.

Tree Swallows vs. Bluebirds

Swallows eat a huge amount of mosquitos. They are our most common nester in our birdhouses.

Banding young Bluebirds

Don Stiles bands a young bird that may be recaptured at some future date when it returns as an adult to breed. We have documented birds living nine years old and often returning to the same birdhouse to raise their young for their entire lives.

George Loades building birdhouses in Heaven

We were extremely sorry to hear that George Loades passed away in the fall of 2009. For many years he has made and given away thousands of nest-boxes. Our organization was a major beneficiary, and he also has made boxes for ducks and kestrels. He faithfully took care of over 400 boxes from Jumpingpound to Priddis, banding almost every bird and visiting every box once a week in the summer. Would anyone want to adopt these for the 2010 season?
Call Don Stiles at 403-271-4689 or stilesdj@shaw.ca