|
Where you choose to place the box is as important as how the box is designed. Bluebirds are birds of open areas. They rarely nest in wooded areas, but will nest in clearings. Open areas with scattered trees are best. Open fields are suitable if there are posts or wires for perching. Look for any area where the vegetation is kept short by mowing, or grazing such as parks, campgrounds, pastures, large lawns, cemeteries, golf courses, and abandoned orchards. Generally, bluebirds nest only in rural areas and the very outer edges of suburban developments. Proper placement of your nesting box(es) can encourage bluebirds and discourage other competing birds and predators.
Bluebirds: We recommend that nesting boxes be mounted on 6 to 6-1/2 feet pipe. The boxes should be mounted 4 to 5 feet from the ground. It is recommended that they be placed 100 yards apart because bluebirds establish a territory during the nesting season and a nesting pair will not allow other bluebirds to enter their territory.
Tree Swallows are the birds most often found in bluebird boxes. To maximize your chances of attracting bluebirds amidst competition from swallows, we recommend placing two boxes 5-8 feet apart. Swallows will exclude another pair of swallows from nesting this close. Swallows only defend their nest site itself. This leaves the adjacent box open to bluebirds.
House Wrens like more bushy areas. To avoid competition with the house wren, place the bluebird nesting box in more open areas at 50 feet or more away from brush and woods. Face the box towards a tree, shrub, or pole, so the young can fly toward it. Your nesting box should be put up and ready for use by the end of March if possible. If they are put up later than this time, they still should be attractive to bluebirds who are raising their second or third broods. Be patient. It may take several seasons for bluebirds to find your box. Remember to monitor your boxes. For monitoring information, click on the link below.
|
