Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of February 14, 2005
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

Bluebirds are flying over the area in search of accommodations. It's a little early, but like some other smart animals, it's time to plan ahead. Bluebirds are particular in their nesting habits.

Don Adams, of Southport, has provided the following information on how to attract these beautiful little birds to your garden. Cavity nesting bluebirds are in need of man made nest boxes. The change from wood fence posts with cavities to steel posts and the cutting of hollow trees for firewood have reduced the natural nest sites. Around 1929 the boll weevil was decimating the cotton fields resulting in the use of insecticides to control the problem. This treatment killed the grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects. The bluebirds ate the dead insects and died, resulting in a dramatic reduction of the bluebird almost to extinction.

Several dedicated people came to the rescue and built nest boxes. We can now enjoy their efforts with the large increase in the bluebird population today. If the bluebird population should double in the next two to three years, many more boxes will be needed.

Now is the time to execute plans for the 2003 nesting season. Clean out and repair old nesting boxes and relocate boxes that have had no activity in the preceding two years. The beautiful eastern bluebird needs our help to combat predators and competitors.

The location of the box and method of mounting are very important considerations. Locate the box in an area with sparse trees and facing an open area. Boxes mounted on trees often attract squirrels that enlarge the opening and destroy the box. Mounting the nest boxes on pipe helps to discourage predators. Galvanized conduit (3/4") is available in ten foot lengths that can be cut in half to make two mountings. Drill holes at each end of pipe and mount box to one end. On the other end, mount a piece of treated wood 2 x 4 x 16". The assembly can be set in the ground with a posthole digger. The box should be approximately five feet above the ground.

Bluebirds have many predators such as snakes, raccoons, ants, squirrels, cats, and other bird species. Other cavity nesting birds such as English sparrows, wrens, chickadees, tree swallows, and starlings compete for available nest sites. Some options are available to try to reserve the box for bluebirds. The nest can be removed to discourage the unwanted birds. Another approach to this problem is to mount additional nest boxes.

During the nesting period, bluebirds are territorial to other bluebirds. They claim an area approximately 300 feet in all directions. The nest should be removed after the young birds fledge. Bluebirds nest one to three times per season. Caution should be used when opening the box as there may be wasps.

After the nesting is completed, bluebirds will gather into flocks and occupy an area where food and water are available. During this time, bluebirds will roost in a nest box. Some publications have reported as many as 12 birds roosting in a single house and 20 roosting in a multi cavity purple martin house. Bluebirds roost in nest boxes for warmth and safety from predators.

Berries and bugs are foods for bluebirds, and wintertime creates slim pickings. An ice storm results in the death of many bluebirds as they starve. Bluebird food can be made with four parts water, one part grits. Cook about six minutes until it congeals. After removing from heat, add chopped raisins and smooth peanut butter. Feed part of the mixture and put remainder in sandwich bags and freeze for later feeding. It is very important to provide water during this critical time.

To become more knowledgeable about bluebirds, join the state or national Bluebird Society: North Carolina Bluebird Society, 834 Shamrock Road, Asheboro, NC 27203; North American Bluebird Society, P. O. Box 6295, Silver Springs, MD 20906 0295. A drawing of the proper dimensions for building a bluebird house may be obtained by sending a request to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P. O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253 2610. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 2/10/2005