Who doesn’t love bluebirds? Only someone who hasn’t yet seen one. They’re beautiful, friendly (actually seem to enjoy our human company!) family-oriented, have an enchanting song, eat pest insects, and except for defending the nest, are incredibly peaceable.
Attracting bluebirds is a challenging and rewarding hobby. Since bluebird habitat has dwindled and competition from the invasive House Sparrow is fierce, it’s also an important hobby. Bluebirds are unique to North America, and the grass-roots community which supports them is strong and growing.
Bring a little happiness to your heart AND help bluebirds increase and thrive! The keys are:
Provide a safe nesting site
Put up a nestbox– Bluebirds are very specific in their homemaking preferences! We’ve got right-sized/right-height poles, houses, placement guidelines, and expert advice. Once you do get a nesting pair, the likelihood of them coming back next year increases dramatically. Pick the right spot for your box. Bluebirds like: mowed lawns, meadows, orchards and roadsides. Think scattered trees and semi-open grassland. They particularly like easy-to-get to, obstacle-free entrances. If you’re hesitant about nesting boxes, try these other ways to attract them to your yard…
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Provide supplemental food and water
Bluebirds love mealworms! We’ve got both live and dried available. Bluebirds have to get used to the new idea of eating from a feeder, but once they catch on, they remember an association (the sound of the sliding glass door, or if you whistle every time you put out the worms…) and will show up to investigate.
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Plant native trees, shrubs, and vines that provide fall and winter food for bluebirds. They like wild berries such as dogwood, holly, eastern red cedar, mulberry, wild grape, Virginia creeper, and viburnum. Ask Matt or Rick!
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Put out a birdbath. Bluebirds may prefer running or dripping water, so consider a Water Wiggler or Universal Dripper to keep water moving. Birdbaths should be no more than 3″ deep, with gently sloping sides, and a rough surface to provide good footing.
