How to Help the Bluebirds

Several groups of bird watchers have instituted various means to encourage the nesting and reproduction of bluebirds. In Missouri in the 1950’s the people made a National Bluebird Trail with over 7000 bluebird houses. Founded in 1978 The North American Bluebird Society advances the revival of bluebirds. To assist bluebirds you can set up a Bluebird Trail by making a sequence of bluebird boxes The ideal bluebird house has been specified by the North American Bluebird Society and you could make your own or buy a commercially made bluebird box.

Setting up a Bluebird Trail

The best position for a Bluebird Trail is a rural area with thin undergrowth and dotted trees or bushes. There should be perch sites such as fences, wires and trees to allow the bluebirds to sit on while searching for food. Sightings of bluebirds in southern states have shown that they have returned to this area. This has shown that bluebirds have benefited from the establishment of Bluebird Trails. Places suitable for a Bluebird Trail are out-of-the-way locations of golf courses, parks and cemeteries as long as pesticides have never been applied. You ought to stay away from heavily forested areas with lots of of brush. Bluebird houses should be placed 200 yards away from each other and be four to six feet above ground.

Attract Bluebirds to Your Garden

You can attract bluebirds to your garden by placing mealworms (which can be bought online) or raisins soaked in water on platform garden bird feeders.  Heated birdbaths will also attract them during the winter months.