How do I get my bluebirds back?

Table of Contents

Attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard again by providing the right habitat: offer a bluebird-friendly house, suitable food, and a pesticide-free environment. By following a few simple steps, you can once again enjoy their beauty and songs in your backyard.

The Allure of the Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird ( Sialia sialis) is a cherished songbird known for its vibrant blue plumage and gentle song. Once widespread across eastern North America, their populations declined sharply in the 20th century due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from introduced species like the European Starling and House Sparrow. Fortunately, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, including the establishment of bluebird trails and increased awareness, their numbers have rebounded significantly. However, attracting and retaining these beautiful birds still requires understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment. The simple question, “How do I get my bluebirds back?“, has become a passionate quest for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.

Providing the Perfect Bluebird House

The most crucial step in attracting bluebirds is offering a suitable nesting box. Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they prefer to build their nests in enclosed spaces. A well-designed bluebird house provides a safe and secure place for them to raise their young.

Location Matters: Mount your bluebird house in an open area, ideally facing east or southeast, away from dense trees or shrubs. This orientation protects the entrance from prevailing winds and provides morning sun.
Proper Height: Position the house about 5-6 feet off the ground on a pole or post.
Predator Guards: Install a predator guard to prevent cats, raccoons, and snakes from accessing the nest. Conical or stovepipe guards are highly effective.
House Dimensions: The entrance hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter to allow bluebirds in while deterring larger birds. Internal dimensions should be approximately 5″ x 5″ x 8″.
Material Matters: Opt for untreated wood like cedar or pine, which is naturally weather-resistant. Avoid houses with perches, as these only benefit predators.

Food and Water: A Bluebird Buffet

While bluebirds primarily feed on insects during the breeding season, they switch to fruits and berries in the fall and winter. Providing a reliable food source will significantly increase your chances of attracting and keeping them around.

Mealworms: Bluebirds love mealworms! Offer them live or dried in a platform feeder or shallow dish.
Berries: Plant native berry-producing shrubs like dogwood, elderberry, serviceberry, and winterberry.
Suet: Provide suet cakes with berries or insects, especially during colder months.
Water Source: Offer a shallow birdbath with fresh, clean water. Ensure it is easy for bluebirds to access and regularly cleaned.

Creating a Bluebird-Friendly Habitat

Beyond food and shelter, a bluebird-friendly habitat emphasizes a healthy and safe environment. This requires minimizing or eliminating pesticide use and controlling competition from invasive species.

Pesticide-Free Zone: Avoid using pesticides in your yard, as they can harm bluebirds and their insect prey.
Control Invasive Species: Regularly monitor your bluebird houses and remove House Sparrow nests. European Starlings can also be a problem, but the 1.5-inch entrance hole generally deters them.
Native Plants: Plant native grasses, wildflowers, and trees to attract insects and provide natural cover.
Open Space: Bluebirds prefer open areas with short grass for foraging.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance of your bluebird houses are crucial for their success. Check the houses weekly during the nesting season to monitor progress and address any potential problems.

Nest Box Monitoring: Observe the houses from a distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Note the presence of bluebirds, nesting activity, and the number of eggs or young.
Nest Removal: After each nesting season, remove old nests to prevent mites and other parasites from building up.
Repair and Replace: Inspect the houses for damage and make any necessary repairs. Replace any damaged or deteriorated houses.

Understanding the Competition

One of the biggest challenges in attracting bluebirds is competition from other bird species, particularly House Sparrows and European Starlings. These birds are aggressive and can displace bluebirds from their nesting sites.

House Sparrow Control: House Sparrows are not native to North America and are a significant threat to bluebirds. If you find House Sparrow nests in your bluebird houses, remove them immediately. Persistent removal is often necessary.
Starling Deterrence: The 1.5-inch entrance hole generally deters European Starlings, but they may still attempt to nest. If you observe Starlings bothering your bluebird houses, consider using a larger entrance hole reducer during the bluebird nesting season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, there are common mistakes that can deter bluebirds.

Incorrect House Placement: Placing a bluebird house in a heavily wooded area or near dense shrubs can attract predators and make it difficult for bluebirds to find the house.
Lack of Predator Guards: Without predator guards, bluebird nests are vulnerable to cats, raccoons, and snakes.
Infrequent Monitoring: Neglecting to monitor bluebird houses can allow House Sparrows to take over and reduce the chances of bluebird success.
Pesticide Use: Using pesticides in your yard can eliminate the bluebirds’ food source and directly harm the birds.

Celebrating the Return

Attracting bluebirds to your yard is a rewarding experience. By providing the right habitat and diligently monitoring your bluebird houses, you can contribute to the conservation of these beautiful birds and enjoy their presence for years to come. The answer to “How do I get my bluebirds back?” lies in understanding their needs and creating a welcoming environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are bluebird populations declining?

Bluebird populations declined drastically in the 20th century primarily due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from non-native species like House Sparrows and European Starlings.

What is a bluebird trail?

A bluebird trail is a series of nesting boxes placed along a designated route, typically in rural areas. They are regularly monitored and maintained by volunteers to provide nesting opportunities for bluebirds.

How do I keep House Sparrows out of my bluebird house?

The most effective method is persistent nest removal. Regularly check your bluebird houses and remove any House Sparrow nests immediately. You can also try using a Sparrow Spooker.

What is the ideal location for a bluebird house?

The ideal location is in an open area with short grass, facing east or southeast, away from dense trees or shrubs. Mount the house on a pole or post about 5-6 feet off the ground.

What size should the entrance hole be on a bluebird house?

The entrance hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter to allow bluebirds in while deterring larger birds like European Starlings.

What materials should I use to build a bluebird house?

Use untreated wood such as cedar or pine. These woods are naturally weather-resistant and safe for bluebirds.

When is the best time to put up a bluebird house?

The best time to put up a bluebird house is in the early spring, before the nesting season begins. This gives bluebirds time to find and claim the house.

How often should I clean my bluebird house?

Clean your bluebird house after each nesting season to remove old nests and prevent mites and other parasites from building up.

What do bluebirds eat?

Bluebirds primarily eat insects during the breeding season, including caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. In the fall and winter, they switch to fruits and berries.

Are bluebirds territorial?

Yes, bluebirds are territorial during the breeding season. They will defend their nesting sites against other bluebirds and competing species.

How long does it take for bluebirds to fledge?

It typically takes 17-21 days for bluebirds to fledge, from the time the eggs hatch until the young birds leave the nest.

How can I tell if bluebirds are using my bluebird house?

Look for signs of nesting activity, such as bluebird feathers near the entrance, nesting material being carried into the house, or adult bluebirds feeding young inside the house. Seeing the distinctive blue of the males is a clear sign you are answering the question, “How do I get my bluebirds back?“