Whether you want to attract Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds or Mountain Bluebirds it's important to know how to attract these birds, what kind of bluebird houses you should have and which nest boxes are most effective. Having the right kind of bluebird housing is essential. Protecting our feathered bluebird friends is just as important and knowing what kind of bluebirds house, fence posts they like and which entrance hole is most appropriate for these North American birds is very important. The American Bluebird Society is dedicated to protecting bluebirds and they've helped with designing houses , keeping away house sparrows, studying nesting sites and guarding against natural predators. Ravenox has come up with this handy guide we call The Bluebird Ten Commandments to help guide you through attracting and maintaining your very own bluebird nesting sites.
Bluebird Ten Commandments - A guide to having the best birdhouse for bluebirds
I. Place houses at least 100 feet apart, because bluebirds are territorial. A bluebird loves her space and it's important to keep bluebird houses separated.
II. Keep the bluebird houses in open habitat. It’s the environment they prefer. Often, Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds can be found flying around open spaces like golf courses because they love the open space it provides. But be careful, European Starlings and other invasive birds love these environments too!
III. Control the House Sparrows and European Starlings, or they will eliminate the bluebird and Tree Swallow. The best way to do this is with a good trap suited to these types of birds.
IV. Add a second bluebird house 21 feet (7 paces) from the first house, at every 300-foot setting. This will allow the valuable Bluebird Tree Swallow to also nest on your bluebird trail.
V. Control the most threatening parasite, the blowfly larva. If you don’t, you may end up fledging very few, if any, baby birds. Check the nest box and change their nests when babies are from seven to 10-days old (only one change per brood needed.)
VI. Attach a predator guard to your bluebird houses. This will protect the bluebirds from predators and other enemies. Snakes, raccoons and other predators may try to invade your bluebird houses and attack your bluebirds. The best way to keep them out is with a good guard and with houses that have the right size entrance hole.
VII. Avoid pulling bluebirds from their nest box and handling the bluebird and/or Tree Swallow young after they are 14 days or older. They may fledge prematurely, which could cause their death.
VIII. Look through the entrance hole and monitor your bluebird nest boxes and houses at least once every week. This will help ensure the bluebirds are safe and there are no problems.
IX. Remove the old bluebird and/or Tree Swallow nests from their nest box on your first nest check after the young have fledged.
X. Keep accurate field records. This is the first step toward achieving greater success on your bluebird trail.
