Every year about this time, I start thinking about spring. It does not take me very long to enjoy all of the cold, dreary days of winter that I care to enjoy.

It is only about eight short weeks before spring will be here. The dogwoods will begin to bloom and everyone will be anxious to enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, landscaping, golfing, fishing, and going to the beach.

In anticipation of spring, I often use this column to share information about bluebirds with those readers that enjoy watching birds and with those that make a special effort to provide for songbirds in their backyards.

Bluebirds are migratory. Although some of them will remain in the area throughout the winter, most of them will move further south for the winter and return to our area just prior to the nesting period. February is the time of the year when they return, so if you are interested in attracting bluebirds to your backyard, you need to have nesting boxes in place when they arrive.

Bluebirds were one of the most common songbirds when our country was first settled. But the bluebird population dropped drastically during the mid part of the last century because of the loss of suitable nesting sites. In recent years, we have seen a drastic 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 these 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 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.

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 will call me at 910-671-3276, I will be glad to mail you a bulletin about bluebirds which includes simple plans for constructing a bluebird nesting box.

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.

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 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 3/3/05