It is not unusual for me to receive phone calls about some of the columns I provide each week for this newspaper. It is also not unusual for folks to stop me at church, the grocery store, the post office, or just about anywhere else you can imagine and share comments about the topics I discuss or the information I provide.

Thankfully, most of the feedback I receive about this column is very complimentary. Occasionally someone will be considerate enough to correct one of my many mistakes. Ever so often someone will express his or her opposing view about controversial topics I write about.

Without exception, the most responses I ever receive are when I use this column to write about bluebirds. I think this is because so many readers share my concern for songbirds and like me enjoy watching birds in their native habitat. I also think many readers also enjoy watching bluebirds since they are considered one of the most beautiful songbirds in our area, and one that is most easily encouraged to nest in our back yards.

Although a few bluebirds will remain in our area and can be seen throughout the winter, most of them are migratory and will fly further south for the winter. Those that migrate begin returning to our area during February in search of nesting and feeding sites. I saw the first bluebird in my back yard over three weeks ago, and since then have seen many of them along the roadways.

Many will return to the same area they used last year, so if you had bluebirds in your backyard last year most likely they will be back this year. If you did not have bluebirds in your back yard last year but would like to attract them, you may be able to lure them in by developing a landscape that provides an abundance of food, and erecting suitable nesting boxes.

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 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 06/16/09