I Adore Bluebirds

I am so sorry I was unable to capture the beauty of the family of Eastern bluebirds that are hanging out at 1082 McConnell. The picture here of the beloved bluebird although stunning, still can not capture how beautiful they are in person. Bluebirds often travel in groups or families- and I have the most unusual "speckled" bluebird in my family. She is so amazing! The color of these wonderful creatures almost seems painted on- it is truly stunning.

Bluebirds are on the decline- so do your part and help these beautiful creatures thrive. They are VERY picky about where they will nest and brood, so you must either buy a pre-made bird house specifically for bluebirds- or build one using the specific entry hole dimensions.

Houses should be in place each year by mid-March to attract birds returning from migration. But bluebirds nest two or three times a season, so often accept boxes put up later for second nestings.

HABITAT

Bluebirds will only nest in boxes that are in the appropriate habitat. Open rural country with scattered trees and low or sparse ground cover is best. Pastureland, acreages, some parks and mowed areas such as cemeteries or golf courses are all good locations for a bluebird trail. if no pesticides are used on them. Here are some additional hints about the habitat they require:

Try to provide a fence line, wires, or tree branches where bluebirds may perch to search for food.
Avoid brushy and heavily wooded areas -- this is the habitat of the House Wren, which may puncture bluebird eggs.
Avoid farmsteads and feedlots where House Sparrows may be abundant. They take over bluebird boxes, often killing the bluebirds.Avoid areas of heavy pesticide use.

Boxes for the Eastern Bluebird should be spaced at least 100 to 150 yards apart; Western and Mountain Bluebirds have a larger nesting territory and boxes should be spaced no closer than 300 yards apart.

Setting Up:
Mount nesting boxes so the entrance hole is about five feet above the ground. If possible, face the box where a tree or shrub is in view no more than 100 feet from the box; this will provide a safe landing spot for the young bluebirds when they first leave the box, keeping them off the ground, away from predators.

For more info on how to protect bluebird nests- check out the following links:

North American Bluebird Society

http:///www.nabluebirdsociety.org

Cornell Lab of Orinthology

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