Preparing for Eastern Bluebirds arrival

As we’re experiencing an early spring this year, it’s only a matter of time before certain species of birds that frequent our properties and feeders will arrive. Over the past year I’ve received many inquiries regarding the Eastern Bluebird. Many have tried to lure this bird to their dwellings without success as they are quite particular as to where they choose to nest. In previous articles I’ve offered tips regarding preparing nesting boxes for these birds but there are many factors to consider. For those who may have missed these articles, let’s recap. First off Eastern Bluebirds prefer wide open spaces. They also like areas where the grass is cut low to the ground to facilitate hunting. They flow low to the ground and feed on grubs, caterpillars, worms and various insects. It’s important to note that your nesting box should be around six feet off the ground, attached to some type of wooden or steel post. I prefer steel as they are much easier to hammer into the ground. You can purchase this type of pole in any garden section of your local hardware store. Next is to place the face of the box facing away from the sun when it’s at high noon. This cools down the interior making it a more comfortable dwelling for the birds. Never place your nesting box close to your home or near the forest. They like their privacy and will not consider the box if it is too close to a house. The reason you never place it too close to the forest or woods is that pesky sparrows will bully the bluebirds and claim the housing for themselves. Sparrows and some other troublesome birds prefer nesting close to wooded areas and not directly out in the open like the bluebirds. When I set up my bluebird boxes, I follow all these rules and one other thing I try to do is place the pole relatively close to a tree so the bluebirds can rest and survey the landscape from the branches. As a photographer this offers some great photo opportunities as birds on tree limbs make better nature photos than birds on feeders or nesting boxes. With regards to attracting them with food, their absolute favorite are dried grubs. You can purchase bags of these wherever birding supplies are found. I had one person ask me recently does the colour of the nesting box play any part of attracting the bluebirds? Personally, I’ve read countless articles which state they have no preference, however I have found they seem to gravitate to natural wood tones. I fabricate my own bluebird nesting boxes and opt to keep the natural wood without painting it. To me it just seems more natural. Last year I had set up my nesting box and awaited the bird’s arrival. A few weeks later both a male and female landed on a branch on a tree in close proximity and began checking it out. First the female flew over and went inside, came back out and flew back to the branch chirping something to the male. He then took his turn and checked out the interior. Seriously, it was like a episode of House Hunters. He then flew back to the female, they conversed some more and then flew away! Really incredible to witness. Within a week they returned and occupied my box for the entire summer. For those of you who enjoy having these colorful birds make their home on your property, try these tips and you may just have a family of Eastern Bluebirds as summer residents.