Cheer up, spring is only about sixty days away. Although we are enduring the cold, dreary days of winter, it will not be long before dogwoods begin blooming and we begin to enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, landscaping, golfing, fishing, and going to the beach.

In anticipation of spring, I always try to use this column to share timely information about bluebirds with those readers who enjoy watching birds and with those who make a special effort to provide for song birds in their backyards or around their farms. February is the time of the year to start placing nesting boxes for bluebirds as they return to our area. The bluebird population dropped drastically for several decades because of the loss of suitable nesting sites. In recent years, we have seen a gradual increase in the number of bluebirds that live and raise their young in our backyards because a lot of individuals are placing nesting boxes for the birds to use.

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 nest 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 few 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 up and ready for them to use when they start this process.

Bluebirds start their nesting site 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, or your box may be located in the wrong area of your yard.

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 broad, 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 important feature of a bluebird box 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 bluebirds to enter. If it is any larger, other less desirable birds will be able to use it.

Whether you build your own bluebird boxes or purchase them, they should be erected by mid-February. This is the time of the year that mature pairs are searching for suitable nesting sites. After early March, most bluebirds will most likely have 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. For best results, boxes should be placed about four 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 1/31/03