Nesting Boxes Blubird Trails Eating Habits of Bluebirds Attracting Bluebirds Blubird Populations
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
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.Back to Top
Blubird Trails
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.Back to Top
Eating Habits of Bluebirds
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.Back to Top
Attracting Bluebirds
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.Back to Top
Blubird Populations
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.
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