I like to use this opportunity each year to remind you that early February is the time of the year to prepare for the return of bluebirds to our area. Because of the loss of suitable nesting sites, the bluebird population in our area declined drastically during the past several decades. Now because of the efforts of a lot of individuals who are placing nesting boxes around their homes and on their farms, we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of bluebirds that live and raise their young in our backyards.

I usually receive quite a few phone calls every spring requesting information about how to construct nesting boxes for birds, especially for bluebirds. I also seek opportunities to speak to various groups about bluebirds and provide workshops on how to construct nesting boxes.

Bluebirds are very fascinating for most bird lovers. Not only are they beautiful with distinct blue and rust colors, they are also very friendly birds. They quickly become accustomed to people and will establish nests even where there is a lot of activity. Once nesting, they will often remain on the nest even if the top of the box is gently removed for observation.

Although some bluebirds migrate, a good percentage of them remain in our area each winter as permanent residents. Those that do migrate will return to the same area each year to raise their young. All of them begin selecting their nesting sites beginning around mid-February, so it is important that you have suitable nesting boxes for them to use when they start this process.

Bluebirds start the selection process by scouting the area. You may see several bluebirds around your backyard during February and March, yet none of them may select your boxes for nesting. This is an indication that your area may not provide a suitable source of food or protection for the birds.

Bluebirds feed primarily on insects and prefer fairly open areas along the edge of woods or where there are occasional trees. They seldom venture into heavily wooded areas or into vast open areas.

Bluebirds are cavity nesters. They prefer hollows in trees or posts but will gladly use a wooden box attached to the side of a post. Because of this I would like to urge you to construct or purchase a couple of bluebird houses and place them around your yard. If you would like to receive plans for bluebird houses, please give me a call at 910-671-3276.

The most import factor of these plans is the size of the entrance hole. The hole should be exactly 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If it is any smaller, it will be too small for the bluebird to enter. If it is any larger, other less desirable species of birds will be able to use it.

Whether you build your own bluebird boxes or purchase them, they should be erected during late February. This is the time of the year that mature pairs are searching for suitable nesting sites. After early March, most bluebirds will have most likely already decided where they will nest.

Boxes should be mounted on a metal pole to prevent cats or snakes from gaining access to the young birds. If a wooden pole must be used, a simple deflector shield can be used to keep unwanted visitors away from the box. Boxes mounted on poles are used much more frequently than boxes placed on the side of a tree. For best results, boxes should be placed about 4 feet above the ground and near the tree line. If possible, the box should be near a perch such as an overhanging tree limb or small tree. When feeding their young, the adult bluebirds will always perch near the entranceway to the box to make sure everything is safe before entering the box.

Bluebirds are very territorial. Once they select a nesting site, they will not allow another adult bluebird within about 100 feet of their nest. Therefore, if you are placing more than one box, be sure to place them at least 200 feet apart.

Many bluebird boxes have been placed in yards, on farms, and along highways during recent years. As a result, bluebird populations are increasing. I encourage you to place at least one bluebird box in your neighborhood and encourage your neighbors to do likewise.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 04/24/01