Our History

The Eastern Bluebird once thrived throughout Virginia but by the 1970s their population had been reduced by as much as 90%. This staggering decline came as a result of insufficient natural nesting cavities due to a combination of development and competition from introduced species such as European Starlings and House Sparrows. With the survival of the species in doubt, the Virginia Bluebird Society was created by Anne Little and Julie Kutruff in 1996 by the establishment of three trails in the Northern Virginia region containing a total of 41 boxes. These three trails fledged 139 Bluebirds and 22 other cavity nesters that first year.

As word of Little and Kutruff’s success spread, and sightings of the bird inspired other citizens interested in the species’ welfare, volunteers came forward to establish and monitor trails across the Commonwealth. By 2020, the Virginia Bluebird Society was established in 42 counties across the State, boasting 431 trails with a total of 4,752 boxes. Since the founding of the Society, more than 1,300 volunteers have faithfully served as guardians to 262,526 bluebirds and 130,571 other native cavity nesters.*

Julie Kutruff stepped up to serve as the Society’s first President from 1996 to 2007. Co-Founder Anne Little would succeed Kutruff from 2007 to November 2011. The Society’s dedicated work has continued to expand under the leadership of three further Presidents: Carmen Bishop from November 2011 to 2015, Cathy Hindman from 2015 to 2018, and current President Valerie Kenyon Gaffney who began her term in 2019.

The Virginia Bluebird Society is affiliated with the North American Bluebird Society and is a Chapter of the Virginia Society of Ornithology.

*Figures cited are based on trail monitor reported data for bluebird seasons 1996-2020.