the spotlight on Bermuda's threatened bluebird population.

Using traditional Calabash gourds, custom built boxes, or old well-cleaned and camouflaged bleach bottles, students are reminding people nesting season for the bluebird is fast approaching.

"What we've found is large scale public participation is the key to success with bluebirds and we urge individual families to try putting up one or more boxes,'' Government Conservation Officer Dr. David Wingate yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

At present there are thought to be only 500 nesting pairs of the birds across the Island.

The birds do best in low-density housing areas with open spaces and ornamental shrubs. Houses adjacent to golf courses are ideal nesting sites, said Dr.

Wingate.

The standard nesting box should comprise of hole 1.5 inches in diameter cut at least six inches from the bottom. The box should be well ventilated with drainage holes cut into the bottom.

Custom built boxes are also available from the National Trust and cost approximately $15, added Dr. Wingate.

Blue Birds face fierce comptetition for the boxes from sparrows and fledglings are preyed upon by cats and rats.

"Ideally we recommend the boxes be pipe-mounted about six-feet high, rather than nailed to a tree. That way cats and rats can't get to it,'' said Dr.

Wingate.