Bluebirds are a favorite of birdwatchers. Male bluebirds are very colorful while the females are smaller and brown. The bluebird population decreased dramatically in the late 1980s, and in 1993 an effort was formed to help increase the bluebird population. Part of the effort was to put up nesting boxes to attract the birds and give them a safe place to build nests and lay eggs
The boxes began to attact bluebirds and the population increased. Today, many people put the boxes in their backyards so they can watch the birds. Also, bluebird trails have been created. The bluebird trails are trails of nesting boxes spaced far enough apart to attract several pairs of bluebirds.
Nesting boxes are generally made out of cedar and redwood, but boxes have also been made from almost any other type of wood including plywood. Wood that has been treated should not be used because it can be toxic to the birds. The boxes should not be painted, but a light stain may be applied to the outside of the box.
For Eastern bluebirds, boxes should have a round 1 1/2" hole for entry. Mountain bluebirds use a entrance hole of 1 9/16", but they will use a larger hole (up to 1 9/16"). Perches attract other birds (sparrows and wrens) and should never be put on a bluebird box. The boxes should be watertight, have good ventilation, and be easy to clean.
Boxes should be mounted so the entrance hole is five feet above the ground. The can be mounted on posts or pipes, but it is important to make sure that predators (snakes, raccoons, cats) cannot get to the box. The birds like to have a tree within 100 feet of the box. This is important when the babies are learning to fly. If they land on the ground, they are more accessible to predators.
In 1993 a group of people decided to create bluebird trails. These trails were simply a row of nesting boxes. The goal was to have one pair of birds occupy each box. As the boxes filled, a trail of birds would be created. The trails have been very successful. There are a few things to remember, however, if you are going to try a bluebird trail.
Bluebirds do not like to be close to other bluebird boxes, so the trails should be properly spaced. If the boxes are too close, the bluebirds will not occupy them. The general rule is to place the boxes 100 yards apart to allow the territorial birds space to find food and nurture their young. Bluebirds will usually not accept boxes that are placed closer together.
Bluebirds prefer berries. Grapes, currants, blackberry, elderberry, and even raisins attract the birds. To soften the raisins just put them in hot water. Bluebirds will aslo eat insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillers.
Bluebirds do not normally eat seed, but they have been known to go to feeders when no other food source could be found. They are also attracted to mealworms, and if you want to feed your bluebirds, you can create a mealworm feeder by filling a small tub with cornmeal, and putting the mealworms in the cornmeal.
The best way to attract bluebirds is to put up a nesting box. Since the boxes often appeal to House Wrens as well as bluebirds, you should try to prevent House Wrens from using the box. House Wrens are generally attracted to areas that have a lot of trees, where bluebirds like more open space. So the best way to attract bluebirds and not House Wrens is to put the box in an open area.
Very often, nesting boxes are not used the first year that they are put up. If your box is not used right away, try to be patient. It may take a few seasons for the birds to find your box. Bluebirds generally will return to the same area each year, and the chances of them finding your box increases each year.
The bluebird population had a terrible decline. The decline was thought to be caused by two main factors: the lost of the natural habitat of the bluebirds, and the decrease in the number of nesting areas that appeal to the birds.
Since the use of nesting boxes and bluebird trails, the bluebird population seems to be rising. But it will still take time before these birds are back to the population they once were. The only way to help these birds is to provide nesting boxes and trails so that the birds can have a safe environment to raise their young.
