Rob Cardillo
What Are Bluebirds?
Three types of bluebirds in North America are found in distinct regions.
Tips for Attracting Bluebirds
1.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Instead, offer bluebirds live or freeze-dried mealworms.
Limit the amount of mealworms you offer during the nesting season, Earley advises.
In the winter, this is not an issue since the bluebirds are not nesting.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Don’t overfeed bluebirdsthey can find food naturally.
For an extra boost, especially during breeding season, offer crushed, roasted eggshells for calcium.
Provide Water
Bluebirds benefit from a water source for drinking and bathing.
Its not only a bird bath that bluebirds will use.
So how much water should be in the basin?
He says about an inch with clear views around the bathing spot is perfect.
Don’t forget about the colder months.
Heated bird baths in wintermay be used, says Earley.
Savereno points out, Remember toclean your bird bath regularlyand your feeders too.
Plant Berry-Producing Natives
Bluebirds' diets change based on the season and what is readily available.
A key tip on how to attract bluebirds is to plant nativeberry-producing shrubsfor a natural food source.
Plant berry-producing native trees, shrubs, and vines that grow well in your area, says Earley.
In the east, American bittersweet vine,staghorn sumac, anddogwoodsare all good choices for wintering eastern bluebirds.
Several native trees also produce berries.
Leave Dead Trees
Despite our tendency to keep backyards clean and organized, nature prefers some disorder.
If possible, leave dying or dead trees as a source of habitat for bluebirds.
One of the most limiting factors for bluebirds is nesting cavities, says Savereno.
Leave dead trees and branches, as long as it is safe to do so.
Other bird species may create spaces and nests for bluebirds, too.
Woodpeckers will create new cavities that may be used in subsequent years by bluebirds for nesting, he says.
Another benefit of not removing old branches is that they provide a hunting perch for bluebirds, says Savereno.
Keep Nesting Material Around
Bluebirds need certain materials to create their nests.
Bluebirds build their nests from pine needles and grasses, says Savereno.
They sometimes line the nest with fine grasses, hair, and feathers.
Jay Wilde
6. check that its well-designed and meets their nesting needs to encourage them to take up residence.
Proper box design, construction, mounting, and maintenance is critical, says Savereno.
After the nesting season, clean the nest box and make any necessary repairs.
Bluebirds and other species often use the boxes for roosting during cold weather.
Whats the best style birdhouse for bluebirds in your region?
Check out a local nature club to find the best box design for your area, says Earley.
Savereno adds, A wealth of information is available from the North American Bluebird Society.
Choosecompanion plantingor integrated pest management (IPM) as a safer alternative for dealing with pests.
Implementing a program of integrated pest management can help reduce the dependence on these insecticides, says Savereno.
IPM is a smart and eco-friendly way to control pests using a mix of practical methods.
Provide a perch near open space.
Because bluebirds eat a lot of insects, they need plenty of open space to catch them successfully.
The colors on the collar clue in bluebirds and give them some time to fly away.
Windows can be unsafe for bluebirdssince the reflection in the glass looks like real landscape to the birds.
Marking your windows helps the birds see the glass.
If youre putting up a bird feeder, place it away from windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place the feeder in a sunny location with lots of open space nearby.
Avoid putting the feeder in an area of deep shade.
Bluebirds are attracted to the color blue, likely because they are attracted to their own color.
They have excellent vision and can see all colors but dont seem to have any other color preferences.
Also, some bluebirds that stay during the winter instead of migrating may use a birdhouse.
How to Build a Bluebird Nest Box.National Audubon Society.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles.EPA.
Demezas KG, Robinson WD.
“Characterizing the Influence of Domestic Cats on Birds with Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Data.“Diversity.
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