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The Eastern Bluebird
Not too long ago, the Eastern bluebird was truly struggling, its very survival in jeopardy. However, environmentalists launched a massive public awareness campaign. The result?
Eastern bluebird numbers are strong. However, do not be deceived—the bird still needs our help, which usually comes in the form of a nest box. However, not everyone can attract this bird. Take a look at the requirements below.
Eastern Bluebird Requirements
The Eastern Bluebird Box
So if you meet the space requirements, an Eastern Bluebird box is certainly a viable option for attracting the bird. Look for a box that is "ornithologically correct," meaning it has the specs that blue birds prefer. Place it on a blue bird pole or fence post, but not in a tree. Remember, this bird loves open space! You will need to monitor your box because the bluebird has lots of competitors. Specifically, the following birds will try to take over the box, often times by destroying eggs, killing chick and even killing the incubating female.
Control sparrows by either removing the nest (which you will need to do again and again), or by trapping. Because house sparrows are an invasive species, they are NOT protected by law, and removing their nest and eggs is perfectly legal. You can also try using a slot box in tandem with a round hole box. Often, the sparrow will select the round hole box and leave the slot box to the blue bird. Control starlings (also an invasive species) by using a box designed for the bluebird. If starlings reach into the box through the hole, carefully remove material from the bottom of the bluebird nest so it is not as close to the entrance. Control swallows by placing bluebird boxes out in pairs. Separate them by 5 to 15 feet. The territorial swallows will defend both boxes from other swallows, but only their box from other species.
Control wrens by placing bluebird boxes in habitats wrens do NOT prefer. In other words, avoid woody, brushy areas.
Nests That Can Appear In Bluebird Box
A house wren nest is constructed of solid twigs, is quite tall and is sometimes lined with fibers. House wrens are pretty cool to have around, particularly given their bug-eating tendencies. They are easy tempted by boxes, but unfortunately are rough on bluebirds.
A House sparrow nest is constructed of feathers mixed in with a bunch of grass, cloth and other odds and ends. This bird is an invasive species that arrived here from Europe in the late 1800's. Because it is an invasive species (a pollutant to some bird watchers), it is not protected by any laws.
The chickadee and titmouse have a similar looking nest constructed of moss, fur and other downy materials. The chickadee is not likely to be too much of a problem, but the titmouse may. However, bluebirds defend themselves well against both of these species.
A tree swallow nest is a nest of grasses lined with feathers. As suggested above, you can easily control this bird by placing another box near the bluebird box. The tree swallow will inadvertently guard both boxes from other tree swallows.
A bluebird nest is a rather handsome nest made of pine needles and various grasses.
Can I Feed The Eastern Bluebird
Absolutely, you can feed the Eastern bluebird. Mealworms work best. If the thought of squirming critters makes you cringe, use dehydrated mealworms--bluebirds love em! So do other birds, so you may want to consider a bluebird feeder. There are lots on the market, and some allow you to decide which birds can eat from the feeder. In other words, control grackles and starlings!
Pictured to the right is the
Droll Yankees
X-1 Seed Saver feeder. The dome on this is adjustable so that the space between the dish and dome can be reduced. This is a great way to control grackles and starlings!
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