What is a “Bluebird Trail”?
A bluebird trail is a series of specially designed nest boxes installed along a route to support the breeding success of mountain bluebirds. These beautiful native birds traditionally nested in old woodpecker holes and other natural tree cavities. However, as natural nesting sites have declined due to land clearing and development, conservation efforts like bluebird trails have become essential.
To help reverse this trend, the Rube Johnston Trail now features over 50 nest boxes as of 2025 — providing safe, reliable nesting spaces and helping to grow the local mountain bluebird population.
Male mountain bluebird seen on the Rube Johnston Trail
What are mountain bluebirds?
Mountain bluebirds are found across much of Alberta, including here in the Vegreville area. The males are a vibrant blue, whereas the females are more grey to brown with just a few patches of blue. They are in the same family as robins, and primarily eat insects.
Do other birds use the nestboxes?
Yes! While we are targeting mountain bluebirds, tree swallows utilize many of our nest boxes. House wrens and house sparrows have also been found using the boxes, and one time even a flying squirrel!
Who was Rube Johnston, and where is the trail?
Rube Johnston is recognized as the namesake of the bluebird trail near Vegreville.
The trail can be found at various locations around Vegreville. See the map below for the approximate locations of trail boxes. The closest spot to see nest boxes is at the Buck for Wildlife Property, although tree swallows primarily use these boxes.
Who manages the trails?
From 2001 to 2025, the trail was managed with care and dedication by Rob H.
Beginning in 2025, Jessica M. has taken over the stewardship of the trail to continue its important conservation work.
Map showing the general locations of nest boxes on the Rube Johnston Trail. As of 2025, there are over 50 nest boxes scattered across these locations.
Mountain bluebird nestlings in one of the boxes on the Rube Johnston Trail.
Want to Get involved?
Interested in attracting bluebirds, building nest boxes or getting someone to monitor boxes you currently have?