33 out of 55 nest boxes at Broadmoor have either eggs or young.
Two Eastern bluebird pairs lost 9 young during cold, wet weather a few weeks ago. Bluebirds depend on a supply of insects to feed their young. The good news is the pairs re-nested and there are new eggs in the boxes. The male is brilliant blue while the female is paler, but both have orange breast feathers.
Tree swallows are blue as well and nest later than bluebirds, but their breast feathers are white. This year, they nested especially late, which was an advantage. By the time their eggs hatched, there was abundant insect food. The lack of insects earlier in the season may have delayed the formation and laying of eggs, possibly an adaptation to weather extremes.
Look for the white board in the welcome center showing what is in the nest boxes. Each box is numbered so you can watch them by borrowing binoculars at the desk and observing from the trails.