Quail/wild turkey authority has time for bluebirds, too

Dr. George A. Hurst, professor and interim head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, has received an Outstanding Contribution Award from the North American Bluebird Society. Presentation was made at the group's annual convention at Callaway Gardens, Ga.

Hurst has conducted research on bluebirds' use of nesting boxes on clearcuts and loblolly pine plantations.

As a result of his work, Hurst has encouraged the forest industry to place nesting boxes in regeneration areas to increase bluebird reproduction.

He and graduate students in wildlife and fisheries also studied cavity-nester use of forest tracts site-prepared by herbicides. Herbicides create many deadwood snags in which woodpeckers make cavities, and bluebirds subsequently use the cavities for nesting.

Hurst has served on the Board of Directors of the North American Bluebird Society, and currently is a member of its research committee. He has published several articles in the organization's journal.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina State University and received a Ph.D. at Mississippi State in 1970.

Nationally known as a preeminent quail and wild turkey research biologist, Hurst says he is "proud to be helping the beautiful bluebird of happiness make a comeback."

Anyone interested in the NABS may write to: NABS, Box 6295, Silver Spring, Md. 20916-6295.

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