Bluebird Man 2014
Distributed by Green Planet Films, PO Box 247, Corte Madera, CA 94976-0247; 415-377-5471
Produced by Neil Paprocki and Matthew Podolsky
Directed by Neil Paprocki and Matthew Podolsky
DVD, color, 28 min.
Middle School - General Adult
Biology, Birds, Citizen Science, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Natural History, Ornithology, Wildlife Conservation
Date Entered: 04/14/2016
Reviewed by Christopher Hollister, University at Buffalo LibrariesThe nineteenth century introduction of non-native house sparrows and European starlings wreaked havoc on the native, nest cavity-dwelling bird species of North America. The continent’s bluebird species were, and continue to be heavily impacted; in many areas, their populations have been decimated. The makers of Bluebird Man present the story of 91-yearold Alfred Larsen, a self-taught citizen scientist who took it upon himself to help restore healthy populations of mountain and western bluebirds to five counties in rural Southwest Idaho.
Viewers of this documentary are permitted to follow Mr. Larsen as he monitors just some of his 300+ bluebird nest boxes along the “bluebird trails” he has established. It is estimated that his conservation efforts over the course of 35 years have resulted in the successful fledging of more than 27,000 mountain and western bluebirds—both formerly species of concern in his area of the state. The vital importance of the citizen science movement, as exemplified by the Mr. Larsen’s work, is heavily emphasized in this gentle film.
Bluebird Man is a visually attractive, instructive, and uplifting contribution to the often discouraging news about the America’s wilderness and wildlife. The reviewer highly recommends this title for academic, public, and school library collections.