How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Backyard!
Every year I look forward to the arrival of the Eastern Bluebirds to our backyard. We owned our first bluebird birdhouse over 30 years ago, but I remember well how excited we were when our first bluebird couple built their nest our our wooden birdhouse. Now, I watch for them year after year. The thrill of seeing them investigate our bluebird birdhouse for the possibility of a home never decreases.Just this morning, my husband excitedly whispered from the backdoor of our home, "The bluebirds are back! Grab your camera!" I must admit, I was very surprised. It is still a little early for them to arrive, but I grabbed my robe and slippers and headed for the door.
The Eastern Bluebird
As you would expect, Eastern Bluebirds are blue. They have pinkish-orange throats and breasts with white bellies. They are small birds with bodies about 6" - 8" long. Their wingspan can easily be measured up to 12½" and they weigh approximately 1 ounce. They may be small, but they make a tremendous visual impact when perching on a gray fence, bare tree branch, or on their birdhouse. They are stunningly gorgeous subjects for photographers.
Eastern Bluebirds mostly eat berries and insects, therefore they prefer to live close to trees or wooded areas. One thing to keep in mind, they like the ground under their nesting area to be clear of debris. I've always believed that was a natural instinct to avoid areas where predators may be hiding.
Eastern Bluebirds have been known to live up to 10 years in the wild. You may well have the same couple return for several years to set up their nest and lay their eggs in your birdhouse.
The Bluebird House
There are a few considerations when selecting and setting up a birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds. The first consideration is obvious, do you have Eastern Bluebirds in your area? Once you have identified them, then all you really need is the right wooden birdhouse set facing the right direction, at the right height.
The Female Inspects the Birdhouse While the Male Stands Watch Later, he will gather twigs & materials and bring them to her once she is inside building the nest. |
The birdhouse selection does matter! An Eastern Bluebird requires a small opening that will serve to protect their nest and eggs from predators.
As I said earlier, placement matters. A bluebird house must face east for bluebirds to nest. It should also be nailed approximately 5' off the ground to a fence or on a post. As you can see in the photos, our bluebird house is nailed to a fence.
Since the Eastern Bluebirds build their nests in the spring, you need to have your birdhouse up and ready to occupy in early spring. It doesn't take long to nail up the perfect ready-made birdhouse like the one featured above!
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Wooden Birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds Reviewed Written by:
What terrific photos of your visiting/nesting Eastern Bluebirds. I can see why you enjoy having a birdhouse just for them. They are beautiful. Having the birdhouse opening facing EAST is intriguing - is that why they are called Eastern Bluebirds or is there another reason for this stipulation?
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting question Elf! I have always assumed they were called Eastern Bluebirds because they are indigenous to the eastern half of the US. There is also a Western Bluebird that looks almost identical from a distance except they reside in the west. Up close, you would see the Western Bluebird has a blue "necklace" that our Eastern Bluebird doesn't have.
DeleteThanks so much for the tips. I really would like to attract some bluebirds to my yard this year
ReplyDeleteOh I so love the Eastern Bluebirds! I have always referred to them as the bluebird of happiness. Whenever I see one which isn't often, it always just makes my day. I usually tell my husband or daughters..."The bluebird of happiness visited me today." They usually roll their eyes and pat me on the back. There seems to be some sort of spiritual connection to me and this bird. I don't know why I haven't ever thought of putting a nesting box out for them. It is on my list of things I must do in 2017.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures you managed to get of these lovely little birds. I have never been lucky enough to have them stop in my backyard, so I will enjoy yours. They are truly a beautiful little bird and a messenger of spring....
ReplyDeleteLast spring, summer and all through the fall we had many, many bluebirds living in our yard and the surrounding area. I believe that the damage done to the trees in the area from the wildfire several years ago created a lot of natural places for the birds to nest and they've multiplied accordingly. Like Bev, I always think of them as my bluebirds of happiness. Looking forward to seeing them as they arrive this spring!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love, love, love your bluebird photos!
DeleteBeautiful photos, you did a great job with those.I don't know if we have eastern blue birds in Western NY. I'll have to wait until it stops snowing and we get some spring like weather. Very interesting facts about the placement of the birdhouse. I'm always learning something new form you guys. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! I'm so excited for you. Thank you for this information. I placed a bluebird box at The Shack last year...but Darn It.... it is not facing east. I did not know that bit of information.
ReplyDeleteMom, would find this article interesting and a friend of mine as well - she and her hubby are avid bird watchers.
ReplyDeleteI love birds, and watching them too. No Eastern Bluebirds here but lots of other Bluebirds. Wonder if that birdhouse would attract them?
ReplyDeleteHeather, that birdhouse says that it is "ideal for the Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebird." I'm not sure which bluebird is in your area.
DeleteI didn't know that a bluebird house must face east for bluebirds to nest.
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