Make Bluebirds Feel Welcome in Your Yard
Attracting bluebirds to your yard is no different than attracting other birds to your yard: you must provide the 4 basic elements, which are food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young.
Attracting bluebirds to your yard is no different than attracting other birds to your yard: you must provide the 4 basic elements, which are food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young.
In the east, the Eastern Bluebird is typically found on farmlands or similar habitats with scattered trees, in parkland settings or near golf courses, and in open woodlands. Its cousin, the Western Bluebird, occurs in the western third of the USA and is found in similar habitats. Both species prefer low or sparse ground cover with perches at different heights above the ground. If you live in a suburban or rural area, you may already have this habitat in your yard. If not, try the following tips for attracting these beautiful birds.
Photo: western bluebird
Once you've established that you have bluebird habitat, place a few bluebird nest boxes in your yard. You can build your own with plans from your local Audubon Society chapter. The entrance hole to the box should be 5 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing wind. It should also face a tree or shrub for nestlings to fly to when they fledge. Avoid placing bluebird nest boxes in areas where there are lots of house sparrows. Also, dense brush or thick woods will keep them away.
Like other birds, Bluebirds are attracted to water sources. Consider installing a water feature in your yard, preferably one that keeps water in motion, such as a fountain or a drip. Ponds, birdbaths, and natural creeks draw in bluebirds, too.
Of course, food figures high on the list for any bird searching for a place to live. Bluebirds will eat birdseed with dried fruit mixed in, such as Scotts® Songbird Selections® Multi-Bird Blend with Fruits & Nuts. They'll visit your suet feeder on occasion, and will enjoy a nice meal of mealworms if available. They'll eat the fruit or berries of dogwood, red cedar, elderberry, and holly, so you can plant some of those. Bluebirds will also search for insects in your lawn if you mow it regularly.
Bluebirds will seek shelter from the elements in your nest boxes. You can also place special roost boxes for them. These are deeper than nest boxes, and have more room inside. You can find plans for roost boxes online.
