Aid the efforts to save the Eastern Bluebird by creating a habitat trail! Eastern Bluebirds, once highly threatened by loss of natural habitat, foreign competitors and pesticide use, are on a remarkable rebound. Once common around fields and pastures, their numbers began to decline when the change was made from wooden fence post to metal post. The resulting loss of preferred nesting habitats combined with pesticide use had many bird lovers worried all would be lost. However, due to a strong support and recovery movement, the numbers are rebounding. You can help by establishing a habitat trail of nesting boxes. We know, once you have heard their beautiful song or watched the brilliant blue flutter dance of a courting male's wings on perch, you will understand why "everyone" loves these birds.
 Bluebird houses Houses should be mounted 4' - 6' off the ground, preferably in open areas, away from immediate cover. Ideally, cover, such as trees or shrubs should be 30' - 100' from the entrance hole to allow adult birds to forage while watching the house for predators, as well as to provide a future safe haven for the fledglings as they learn to maneuver on their own.
Houses should be positioned to face away from direct winds. Here in the sultry south we have found it successful to mount our houses facing east to avoid the harsh late afternoon sun as well. Late winter or very early spring is the ideal time to mount the houses.
Establishing a bluebird habitat trail Where land availability allows, mount the houses, per instructions above in pairs 30' apart, with a minimum of 100 yards, preferably 300 yards (a football field) between each pair grouping. Such placement allows the territorial pairs the space they need during the courting & breeding season.
These beautiful birds are often left "homeless" by sparrows or starlings that are competing for nesting sites. The pairing of houses somewhat allows for this competition.
A habitat trail is a wonderful project for neighborhoods, especially those with greenspace designated areas. So get your homeowners association, kids, family and friends and make establishing a habitat trail your next weekend project.
Once your house or trail is erected you will need to monitor it frequently during the breeding season. Bluebirds can often have more than one family in a breeding season (March - July). You will want to remove the old nesting after ascertaining the first young ones have vacated permanently in preparation for a potential second offspring hatch. You would need only to clean the box again around February of the following year. Many other wildlife species, such as flying squirrels, will gladly take refuge in the box if left "nested" through the winter months.
Bluebirds primarily forage on insects and supplement with wild fruits. Sustaining food sources, particularly in the winter, is critical to keeping bluebirds in close proximity. If your landscape is void of native fruiting plants, consider adding a few of the their favorites to your landscape, these include: Dogwood, Haws, wild grapes (muscadines), blackberries, red cedar berries and winter honeysuckle. To learn more ways to add beneficial food sources, see our information packed section, Landscapes.
Additional Housing Information Bluebird houses may be constructed of many materials, however, cedar or cypress is recommended for longevity in our climate. The entrance hole should be as close to an exact 1.5 inches as possible. Houses may be painted or stained, EXCEPT for the entrance hole & interior. There are many do-it-yourself plans available on the web, just type in bluebird house plans in the search engine.
Coming soon, an easy bluebird house plan, so check back often and happy birding.
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