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For Immediate Release
4/13/10
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Bluebird Nestbox Camera Returns to PA Game Commission

Harrisburg -- The Pennsylvania Game Commission has launched this year's webcasting of a live video feed from a bluebird nestbox on the grounds of its Harrisburg headquarters.

Launched last year, the bluebird camera provides a color video feed plus audio from the bluebird nestbox quarters located behind the agency's headquarters. New in 2010 is the installation of an infrared video camera, which will enable visitors to tune in day or night.

The webcast was developed to help educate the public about the importance of the once-threatened bluebird and other wildlife, and how to make backyards friendlier to birds and animals.

A bluebird just took up residence in the box this year and is in the early stages of building a nest. To view the live feed, go to www.senatorpippy.com or visit the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the "Bluebird Live-Feed" icon under the opening photo in the center of the homepage.

In the early 1960s, the eastern bluebird population was in steep decline. The species was suffering from a European invasion of house sparrows and European starlings.

The Game Commission manufactured inexpensive bluebird nestboxes and bluebird nestbox kits for the public to place afield. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts became involved, as well as 4-H Clubs, schools and Audubon Society chapters. Today, the bluebird population is stronger today than it has been in 50 years.

For more information on bluebirds, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Wildlife" in the menu bar in the banner, click on "Birds," and then choose "Bluebird Home" from the listing.

CONTACT:

Matt Campion
(717) 787-5839