Bluebirds are a symbol of happiness, springtime, and peace. Both Native Americans and colonists used nest boxes and gourds to encourage bluebirds to nest nearby and help control insect populations. Pick up some ideas about how to landscape for bluebirds to invite them to your yard.
Historically, problems for bluebirds arose from the 1920s through the 1970s. Populations declined due to loss of habitat, pesticide use, and competition from European bird species. So, in 1978 the North American Bluebird Society was formed. They soon began conservation efforts in earnest and initiated a campaign to provide nesting sites. Today, populations are stable, so landscape for bluebirds and attract these harbingers of spring.
Site Requirements
To attract bluebirds to your property, first see if you have an appropriate site. Bluebirds like open meadows, the edges of woods, and low-density residential areas. Don’t worry if you have a yard that is too small to make them happy, there are still opportunities to attract bluebirds in other places. Open spaces such as naturalized stormwater basins in developments and public parks may be excellent places to attract bluebirds. So even residents of townhouse association, employees on corporate campuses, and people active in their communities have opportunities to attract these beautiful birds.
Landscape for Bluebirds
The most important thing you can do for birds is to landscape appropriately. Plant an abundance of native plants that attract the insects that birds eat. Bluebirds rely on insects most of the year, but then shift their diets to fruit in fall and winter. So include trees and shrubs that provide fruit in the fall such as dogwoods and viburnums. Then add plants whose berries persist in winter like sumac, winterberry, chokeberry, bayberry, and juniper.
Meadows and masses of native perennials provide both habitat for insects and the open landscapes that bluebirds love. Just make sure you wait to cut them back until spring. Added bonus: ecological fall cleanups are less work and better for the planet!
Next, add a source of water. A simple bird bath will attract birds to your yard. Or install a small fountain or bubbler and enjoy hours of watching birds splash in the trickling water. Keep everything clean and change the water frequently to avoid mosquitos.
Nest Boxes
Given an well landscaped, appropriate site, bluebirds next need a place to nest. Since bluebirds are cavity nesters, they use nests carved out of trees and abandoned by other birds such as woodpeckers. Alternatively, they can use nest boxes provided by humans.
Purchase nest boxes at hardware stores or bird specialty stores. Since different bird species have different housing requirements, if you are purchasing a nest box, make sure to get one specifically for bluebirds.
Nest boxes are also easy to make! If you would like to build your own, the North American Bluebird Society provides nest box recommendations for Eastern Bluebirds.
Whether purchased or built, nest boxes make excellent gifts!
Placement
Once you have your bluebird nest box, locate it well. If possible, place it on a pole instead of a tree or fence post to deter predators such as raccoons. Face it toward an open area but away from prevailing winds. Also, place it at eye level to make checking and cleaning convenient. Make sure you clean it after each brood fledges which may happen two or three times in a season.
In closing, if your site doesn’t suit bluebirds, it may be perfect for other bird species. Manage your site with an abundance of native plants, eliminate pesticides, and provide a source of water for a sure way to attract many types of feathered friends.
Also, check out our previous post Invite Birds Home With a Beautiful Winter Landscape to learn what you can do to attract birds of all species.
Have you had success attracting bluebirds to your property? Have you built your own bluebird house? Share with us your success stories on Facebook or Instagram!