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Place nest boxes in the sunniest, most open area possible, away from your house or deep shade. Bluebirds prefer large expanses of short grass with a clear flight path, ideally facing a field. Try not to place the house too close to feeders. Make sure it is mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground.
Which way do you face a bluebird house?
The house should face south or southeast. Selecting a suitable location for the bluebird house is of house. They should be set out by February 15.
Can I mount a bluebird house on a tree?
You SHOULD NOT mount bluebird boxes on the sides of trees, fences, or buildings. These are very difficult if not impossible to protect from climbing predators. Also, do NOT hang bluebird boxes.
When should you hang a bluebird house?
Because bluebirds will use birdhouses as winter roosting spots, there is no best time to put out houses for them—anytime is fine. Bluebirds begin investigating potential nesting sites as early as late February, so houses should be clean, repaired, and available for nesting birds by February 15.
How close to a house can you put a bluebird house?
How Far Apart to Space Bluebird Houses Bluebird species Distance between nest boxes Eastern Bluebirds 100 yards (125-150 yards preferred) Western Bluebirds 100 yards (200-300 yards preferred) Mountain Bluebirds 200-300 yards.
How do you hang a bluebird house on a tree?
Mount the bluebird nesting box on a free-standing, metal, 6 to 6 1/2 ft tall pole with two pipe clamps; wood poles are not encouraged because predators can easily climb them. Lay the nesting box with the front facing down on a table or bench. Lay the pole over it, the top of the pole flush with the roof of the box.
How do I attract bluebirds to my bluebird house?
7 Tips for Attracting Bluebirds Open it up. Bluebirds prefer open areas with low grass and perches from which they can hunt insects. Leave it alone. Plant native. Just add water. Go chemical-free. Beware of roaming cats. Offer mealworms at your feeders.
Where do you hang a bluebird feeder?
Feeders for bluebirds should be placed in an area that is visible to the birds. Locate a place that is in an area that the birds frequent to find their food. The feeder may need to be kept away from human dwellings if sparrows seem to be a problem.
How high should a bluebird house be off the ground?
Height: Bluebirds nest within a wide range of heights, from two to 50 feet. Mounting at eye level provides easy checking; however, if cats or other predators are problems, hang nest boxes at least six to eight feet from the ground.
How do you keep swallows out of bluebird houses?
In fact, pairing boxes is the only way to ensure swallows won’t take over bluebird boxes. There is no way to completely swallow-proof a birdhouse. By setting up these pairs, with no more than 10 feet between the two boxes, both birds can nest in harmony.
What does a bluebirds nest look like?
Typical Bluebird Nest Description: Neat, cup shaped, woven nest typically 100% fine grass or pine needles. Cup may be in the back of the box. Occasionally bits of fur or a few feathers, or even some hair (e.g., from a horse). Notice the cup is deep, and more neatly woven than the rest of the nest.
How do I attract bluebirds to my yard?
Here are some useful tips to attract them. Install a Hunting Perch. Tempt With Live Mealworms. Play a Recorded Bluebird Song. Use Bluebird Specific Feeders. Add a Birdbath. Install a Nestbox. Provide Nesting Material. Provide Natural Shelter.
Do you put anything in a birdhouse?
Wood is the best material for birdhouses. Other materials (like metal or plastic) may not insulate the nest enough, so eggs or young could become chilled in cold weather or overheated in warm, sunny weather. Use rough-cut wood slabs, tree sections, or 3/4-inch plywood.
Where do bluebirds sleep in winter?
In cold weather, they usually sleep in tree cavities or other holes, so they may have been using your nesting boxes to roost in at night. Learn the best place for a bluebird house.
Where do you put mealworms for bluebirds?
Once they become familiar with the routine, the mealworms should be placed inside the feeder. The location of the feeder can also be varied. Initially one can place the feeder close (~25 feet) to the nestbox. Then incrementally move it farther away (to ~100 feet) as the bluebirds become familiar with it.
What do you put in a bluebird house?
Well Built: A bluebird house should be watertight, yet ventilated and with drainage holes. It should be built of a rot resistant wood, like cedar, or untreated exterior plywood. You can paint the outside a light, neutral color or coat it with linseed oil, but the inside should be untreated wood.
What habitat do bluebirds live in?
Bluebirds tend to live in open country around trees, but with little understory and sparse ground cover. Original habitats probably included open, frequently burned pine savannas, beaver ponds, mature but open woods, and forest openings.
How high should you hang a bluebird feeder?
Sparrows and towhees (ground feeders) – 1-5 feet. Chickadees and titmice (mid-level tree feeders) – 5-10 feet. Bluebirds (mid-levels and ground feeding) – 5-7 feet. Orioles (feed in bushes and trees) – 6-10 feet.
What do you feed bluebirds in the spring?
Bluebirds will eat the following offerings at feeders: Mealworms, suet dough, fruit, and sunflower bits. They will also consume eggshell bits during spring and summer when the females especially need extra calcium for egg production.
Are bluebirds attracted to blue feeders?
Bluebirds will use wild fruits, berries and seeds during the fall to prepare them for their migration south. Bluebirds feed primarily on insects in the spring and summer. They will also eat suet, fruits and berries. Many people attract these beautiful birds by providing bluebird feeders.
