How to Lure Sapphire Wings: Attracting Bluebirds to Your Bluebird House
The secret to successfully attracting bluebirds to your bluebird house hinges on understanding their specific needs: provide suitable housing in a favorable location, protect them from predators and competitors, and offer supplemental food sources to ensure they thrive.
Understanding the Bluebird Appeal
Bluebirds, with their vibrant sapphire plumage and gentle song, are a welcome sight in any backyard. Their decline in the 20th century, due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species, spurred conservation efforts that have seen their populations rebound. Providing a bluebird house is a simple yet effective way to support these beautiful birds and enjoy their presence. But simply putting up a box isn’t enough; you need to understand what attracts bluebirds to your bluebird house.
Selecting the Ideal Bluebird House
The design and construction of your bluebird house are crucial. Not all birdhouses are created equal, and bluebirds have specific preferences.
- Size: The interior floor should be approximately 5″ x 5″ to provide adequate space for nesting.
- Entrance Hole: A 1.5″ diameter entrance hole is ideal. This size allows bluebirds to enter while deterring larger birds like starlings, which are aggressive nest competitors.
- Material: Untreated, weather-resistant wood like cedar or cypress is best. Avoid pressure-treated wood or painted interiors, as they can be harmful to the birds.
- Drainage and Ventilation: Ensure the house has small drainage holes in the floor and ventilation holes near the roof to prevent moisture buildup and overheating.
- No Perch: Contrary to some designs, bluebirds don’t need a perch. A perch can actually help predators access the nest.
- Ease of Monitoring: Select a house that is easy to open for monitoring and cleaning after each brood.
Location, Location, Location: Choosing the Right Spot
The location of your bluebird house is just as important as the house itself. Bluebirds prefer open habitats with short grass and scattered trees.
- Open Area: Mount the house in an open area away from dense vegetation.
- Height: The ideal height is about 5-6 feet above the ground.
- Mounting: Use a metal pole or post with a predator guard to prevent snakes, raccoons, and cats from reaching the nest.
- Facing: Face the entrance hole away from prevailing winds and towards an open area where bluebirds can easily find it. Ideally, face it East or Southeast.
- Avoid Pesticides: Do not use pesticides in your yard, as they can be harmful to bluebirds and their food source (insects).
Protecting Your Bluebirds: Predator and Competitor Control
One of the biggest challenges in attracting bluebirds to your bluebird house is protecting them from predators and competitors.
- Predator Guards: Install a predator guard on the mounting pole. These can be cone-shaped or cylindrical and prevent animals from climbing up to the nest.
- Monitor Regularly: Check the house regularly (but not excessively) for signs of predators or competitors, such as starlings or house sparrows.
- Nest Box Trapping: If invasive species like starlings are persistently using the box, consider nest box trapping methods. Consult with local wildlife experts for guidance.
Supplemental Feeding: Offering the Right Treats
While bluebirds primarily eat insects, providing supplemental food can help attract them, especially during nesting season and inclement weather.
- Mealworms: Live or dried mealworms are a favorite. Offer them in a shallow dish or platform feeder.
- Fruit: Bluebirds also enjoy berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Plant berry bushes in your yard or offer fruit pieces in a feeder.
- Suet: During colder months, suet cakes containing insects or berries can provide a valuable source of energy.
- Clean Water: Always provide a source of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing.
Patience is Key: Building a Bluebird Oasis
Attracting bluebirds to your bluebird house may take time. Be patient, persistent, and observant. Continue to maintain the house, control predators and competitors, and offer supplemental food. Over time, your efforts will likely be rewarded with the sight of these beautiful birds raising their families in your backyard.
Timeline to Success
| Timeframe | Expected Activity |
|---|---|
| ——————- | ————————————————————————————— |
| Early Spring | Place nest box in location, clean out old nests if applicable. |
| Mid-Spring | Monitor box weekly for signs of nesting activity. |
| Late Spring/Summer | Expect first brood hatching. Continue monitoring but minimize disturbance. |
| Fall/Winter | Clean out nest box after the nesting season to prepare for the following spring. |
| Throughout the Year | Maintain predator guards and offer supplemental feeding (especially mealworms). |
The Rewards of Your Efforts
How do I attract bluebirds to my bluebird house? By creating the right conditions and being persistent. Seeing a pair of bluebirds build a nest, raise their young, and fledge a new generation is a deeply rewarding experience. You’ll be contributing to their conservation and enjoying the beauty and song of these remarkable birds in your own backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my bluebird house?
Clean your bluebird house after each brood has fledged. This removes old nesting material and reduces the risk of parasites or disease. Also, clean it out in the late fall or early winter to prepare it for the following spring.
What if other birds are using my bluebird house?
House sparrows and starlings are aggressive competitors that can displace bluebirds. Monitor the box regularly and remove their nests. If they persist, consider using nest box trapping methods specifically designed for these species. Never harm native birds.
Is it okay to touch baby bluebirds?
It’s generally best to avoid touching baby birds. While it’s a myth that the parents will abandon them if you touch them, minimizing human contact is always the best practice. If a baby bird falls out of the nest, gently place it back in the nest if possible.
How do I keep snakes out of my bluebird house?
Install a sturdy predator guard on the mounting pole. Cone-shaped guards are particularly effective at preventing snakes from climbing up. Regularly inspect the area around the bluebird house for signs of snakes.
What is the best type of predator guard for bluebird houses?
The best predator guards are either cone-shaped or cylindrical and made of metal. They should be large enough to prevent predators from reaching around them. Ensure the guard is properly installed and regularly maintained.
Should I provide nesting material for bluebirds?
While bluebirds will gather their own nesting material, you can supplement their efforts by providing small amounts of dried grass clippings, pine needles, or feathers near the bluebird house. Avoid providing yarn or string, as these can entangle baby birds.
What do bluebirds eat besides insects and berries?
Besides insects and berries, bluebirds may also eat small fruits, seeds, and occasionally suet. They are primarily insectivores, especially during nesting season when they need protein to feed their young.
How long does it take for bluebirds to build a nest?
Bluebirds typically take 4 to 7 days to build a nest. The female is primarily responsible for nest construction, while the male may help gather materials.
What does a bluebird nest look like?
A bluebird nest is typically a neat cup made of dried grasses, pine needles, and sometimes feathers. It is usually located at the bottom of the bluebird house.
Can I move a bluebird house if I don’t like the location?
It’s best to avoid moving a bluebird house once bluebirds have started building a nest. If you must move it, do so before nesting begins and move it only a short distance at a time to allow the birds to adjust.
How often do bluebirds lay eggs?
Bluebirds typically lay one egg per day until their clutch is complete. A clutch usually consists of 4 to 7 eggs.
How long does it take for bluebird eggs to hatch?
Bluebird eggs typically hatch after 12 to 14 days of incubation. The female is primarily responsible for incubating the eggs.