How to be the best blue bird landlord!

In the spring you will noticed pairs of bluebirds inspecting your property for a place to stake their claim. As secondary cavity dwellers, most bluebirds rely on man-made nesting boxes to brood. Before mounting your box on any old tree or fence post, take time to consider what is safest and most appealing to your bluebirds.

When siting your nest box, there are five important points to remember.

1. Mount your box on a metal pole. A metal pole allows for easy installation of a predator guard or baffle. It allows you to place the box in an area that is safe for the birds.
2. The box should be mounted 3-5’ above the ground. This is high enough that most predators cannot jump to the box to harm the nest. This height also allows for convenient nest monitoring and cleaning.
3. Install a predator guard. Raccoons and snakes have no problem sneaking up a pole to get the goodies inside the box. Mounting the guard just below the nest box will deter most predators.
4. Site the box at least 100 feet away from any trees or brush. Bluebirds enjoy wide-open spaces. These open areas are also free of any threat of an attack that may come from predators living in the brush.
5. Provide perches. A simple limb stuck in the ground will allow the birds to perch to survey the nesting site 
   

References:

• The Blue Bird Book, Donald & Lillian Stokes
• Blue Houses from Bird Oasis
• Bird Oasis Homepage

Other Guides Written by John Patrick, Bird Oasis

• A Winter Spa For The Birds
• Attracting More Birds With Window Birdfeeders

• The Migration of Wild Birds