How to Attract Bluebirds – Setting Up a Bluebird House
Do you want to attract bluebirds to your yard? If so, setting up a bluebird house is a great way to do it! Bluebirds are beautiful creatures, and they make for wonderful additions to any backyard. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to set up a bluebird house in order to attract these birds. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to care for bluebirds once you have them living in your yard!
As a general rule, you should place your bluebird house in an open, sunny area where there is plenty of short grass where bluebirds can catch insects. Mount your nest box at least five feet off the ground, not too close to buildings, and at least 50 feet away from brushy or wooded areas.
Following these general rules for placing your bluebird house and attracting bluebirds to your yard. However, if you want to know more specifics about your bluebird house and attracting bluebirds to your yard keep reading.
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How to Set Up a Bluebird House
Bluebird House Specs
In order to attract bluebirds, your birdhouse needs to be the correct size. Bluebird houses should have a floor that is at least eight inches in diameter and six inches deep; however, larger dimensions are better if you can manage them! The hole for entry into the nestbox must also be about two-and-a-half inches in diameter, as bluebirds are the correct size for that hole.
You can purchase premade bluebird houses from your local home improvement store and several online stores. Here are a few that we like from Amazon.
Wild Wings Cedar Blue Bird Box House
Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird Viewing House
If you are interested in building your own check out these plans from the North America Bluebird Society.
Where to Place a Bluebird House?
Bluebirds prefer open to semi-open areas. They feed mainly on insects, often watching from a low perch and then fluttering down to take bugs from the ground. A wide expanse of open, chemical-free lawn provides ideal habitat. A very small yard or one with little or no open space will probably not be suitable for attracting bluebirds to nest, but you may still see them at your feeders.
You should place your bluebird house in an area where it will get a lot of sunshine but is protected from the wind. Bluebirds love to perch on trees that are close by their nestbox, so make sure there are some around before setting up your birdhouse! You can also put out feeders for them with mealworms or sunflower seeds, as bluebirds love to eat both of these foods.
What direction should a bluebird house face?
When setting up your bluebird house, you need to face it in the right direction. The front of the house should point east or southeast so that the morning sun can warm it up. This will help keep the inside of the nestbox at a comfortable temperature for the bluebirds.
How far off the ground should a bluebird house be?
A bluebird house needs to be placed at least five feet off the ground. The best place for it would be about six to ten feet high on a metal pole that has predator guards around the bottom of its base and in between branches or fence boards if you’re mounting them there instead! You can also hang your birdhouse from an overhanging tree limb or attach it to the side of a building. Make sure that the house is not in direct sunlight, as this can overheat the interior and kill any baby bluebirds that are inside.
When Should Bluebird House be put up?
Bluebird houses should be put up in the late winter or early spring, as this is when bluebirds are looking for new homes to raise their young. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, you can wait until the snow melts to put your house up. Just make sure that it is installed before the birds start nesting!
What to put in a bluebird house?
You shouldn’t put anything in your bluebird house. Bluebirds will add plenty of twigs, grasses, and small leaves inside the house to keep it warm and cozy for any baby birds who may be living there later on in the year.
If you are wanting to observe your bluebirds you can consider adding a Blink Outdoor Camera.
How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Yard
Once you have your bluebird house set up and facing in the right direction, it’s time to start attracting these birds! One of the best ways to do this is by putting out feeders that offer them a variety of food options. You can put out mealworms, sunflower seeds, or suet cakes for the bluebirds to eat.
Another way to bring these birds to your yard is by providing them with a place to nest. Bluebirds like to build their nests in open areas, so make sure you have some trees or shrubs nearby that they can use. You can also help create the perfect bluebird habitat by leaving large expanses of unmowed lawns for them to forage in.
If you provide these birds with everything they need, there’s a good chance that they will start making their home in your yard!
Bluebird House Maintenance
Once your bluebirds have started using their new house, it’s important to keep an eye on it and make sure that everything is in good condition. Check the roof of the house regularly to make sure that there are no leaks, and replace any worn out or damaged parts as needed.
You also need to keep an eye on the inside of the house to make sure that there is no debris or nests built inside of it. If there are, remove them and clean out the house so that the bluebirds can continue using it.
If you keep up with these regular maintenance tasks, your bluebird house will be in good condition for many years to come!
In conclusion, attracting bluebirds to your yard is a fun and easy way to enjoy nature right in your own backyard! By putting up a bluebird house and providing them with food and shelter, you can help these beautiful birds thrive. Keep an eye on your house and make sure to do regular maintenance tasks to ensure that it stays in good condition. Happy bird watching!
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