The Birdman of Idaho Has Built Homes for Over 40,000 Bluebirds

Al Larson, a 97-year-old bird watcher, shares his journey of helping Bluebirds by setting up nest boxes. After learning about their declining population from a National Geographic article, he began building simple, affordable nest boxes, eventually installing over 350 across southwest Idaho. His efforts have contributed to increasing Bluebird populations and inspired others to engage in conservation. Al emphasizes the importance of staying active and planning for the future, sharing his data with universities and research labs to further support Bluebird conservation.

What inspired Al Larson to start helping Bluebirds?

• A conversation with a friend

• A visit to a bird sanctuary

• An article in National Geographic

• A documentary he watched

What is unique about the nest boxes Al Larson designed?

• They are complex and expensive

• They are simple and cheap to build

• They require professional tools

• They are made of metal

How many nest boxes has Al Larson added over the years?

• More than 100

• More than 200

• More than 350

• More than 500

Which institutions has Al Larson shared his Bluebird data with?

• Boise State University and the banding laboratory at Patuxent

• The Environmental Protection Agency and local governments

• The Smithsonian and National Geographic

• The Audubon Society and local schools

What message does Al Larson convey about aging?

• Focus only on personal achievements

• Avoid thinking about the future

• Stay inactive and enjoy retirement

• Be active and plan for the future