Taylor Elementary trail is located on the grounds of Taylor Elementary School where there is a large open grass field for native birds to hunt for insects and a stream nearby to provide water for birds to drink and bathe.

Created in 2008 by Wolf Scouts of Pack 149, this trail is the third VBS trail in Arlington, The 4th grade at the school was pleasantly surprised to discover a bluebird nest on the trail soon after that. See the article entitled Arlington Students Seeing Blue Inside the Beltway. It was the first bluebird nest reported in Arlington in decades.

There are three bluebird boxes on this trail:

The first box is located near the parking lot entrance and traditionally has been used by tree swallows. Bluebirds have used this box.

The second box is on the steep slope between the temporary buildings and the southwest-facing side of the school, and invasive House Sparrows often try to claim it. With monitoring to prevent and remove House Sparrow nests (because they are an invasive species that attacks the eggs and nestlings of native birds), tree swallows have been able to successfully nest there. 

The third box is in the pollinator garden bordering the woods at Zachary Taylor Nature Area, and has hosted three broods of bluebirds in 2022 as well as a brood of house wrens.  For some reason, it doesn’t seem interesting to house sparrows for nesting purposes, but some (unknown) species have occasionally attacked active nests.  Nevertheless, this remains the most prolific nest box on the trail for producing successful broods of bluebirds.

Once a bluebird nest is established, it is always worthwhile adding to defenses on the box that inhibit the actions of potential predators. When visiting the box during nesting season, it is a common sight to see one or both of the Bluebird pair roosting in the trees nearby while the check on the boxes takes place. The visit frequently includes dive-bombing at the monitor by one of the bluebirds.  After checking the box, it’s always worthwhile to retreat to the nearby amphitheater area and watch the adults return to the box from that distance.

For years until 2021, Taylor Elementary science teacher Mrs. Ann Heidig obtained a web camera for the bluebird box that is located outside her classroom window. In recent years, Mrs. Heidig has collaborated with the monitors to keep her students informed about the developing birds in the nest box.

Many thanks to Paul Gibson, Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN), Class of 2013, served as trail lead from 2013 until 2023.

Jill Barker, ARMN class of 2019, started as trail lead in 2023, having assisted with monitoring each year since 2021. Jill can be reached at crosswell2630@verizon.net or 703-477-9913.