Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak to the senior group at Newgate Community Church in Lumberton. I planned my visit with this group for mid-February. They wanted me to talk about bluebirds. I wanted to provide them with information about how to attract bluebirds into their backyards at the time of the year when bluebirds first become very active in this area.

It is only about eight short weeks before spring. The dogwoods will begin to bloom, and everyone will be anxious to enjoy outdoor activities. Some will start gardening or beautifying their landscapes, some will start golfing or fishing, and some will become much more involved with feeding and watching birds that begin nesting in their backyards.

In anticipation of spring, I often use this column to share information about bluebirds. I have learned from experience that many of those who read this newspaper enjoy bird watching, and they work very hard to provide food, water, and nesting sites for their "backyard birds."

For very obvious reasons, bluebirds are the favorite birds of many people. Bluebirds are beautiful, they quickly become acclimated to human activity, they can easily be attracted to nesting boxes, and they are very beneficial because they eat lots of insects.

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.

The bluebird was 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 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 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 near 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 06/09/09