Tips & Tricks To Consider When Building Bluebird Houses Or Nesting Boxes

Imagine being able to wake up, head outside, and get to watch some bluebirds in your garden. If you want to turn this dream into reality, building a bluebird house is one of the best places to start. Bluebirds are popular, colorful birds that can brighten up your day and improve your garden as they feed on all sorts of insects, making them nature's pest controllers. These birds migrate between North and Central America, and while doing so, they need a place to rest and raise their young, which is where bluebird houses come into play.

A well-designed birdhouse will attract these lovely creatures, giving them a safe space to call home. To make your garden irresistible to bluebirds, you should know what kind of birdhouses they prefer. Bluebirds are not too picky, but they do have some preferences. They like birdhouses made of wood, with entrance holes about 1 and ⁹⁄₁₆ inches in diameter, which should discourage competitors like house sparrows and wrens. The house should be deep enough to protect them from predators and harsh weather, with a sloped roof to help keep the rain out, as well as drainage holes on the bottom.

Of course, those aren't the only tips you'll need if you want these feathered friends to flock to your yard. First off, bluebirds appreciate a good view. Position your birdhouse so that it faces east, as this orientation helps keep the entrance away from both prevailing winds and the stronger late afternoon sunshine. Bluebirds also love open areas with low grass and scattered trees, so you don't want to place the birdhouse too close to your own home. This makes it easier for them to spot food and watch out for predators.

Also, don't forget to add some perches nearby; these can be small branches or even a fence. Bluebirds use these perches to rest and keep an eye on their surroundings. Just don't put one on the birdhouse itself, as that can attract competitor birds. Another tip is to provide some nesting materials by placing a pile of pine needles, dried grass, or soft moss near the birdhouse. Bluebirds will appreciate the convenience and may be more likely to move in. 

Some final tips to keep in mind are how important it is to choose the best spot for your birdhouse or nesting box. You want to make sure it's in a location that both you and the birds will enjoy. Ideally, place the birdhouse about 5 to 10 feet off the ground. This height is perfect for bluebirds, as it keeps them safe from most ground predators. Mount the birdhouse on a post rather than a tree to prevent squirrels and other critters from invading, which will cause bluebirds to avoid your birdhouse. 

Finally, keep the birdhouse at least 50 to 100 feet away from your house. Bluebirds prefer a bit of privacy and won't feel comfortable nesting too close to human activity. However, don't place it too far away, as you'll want to enjoy watching them from your window or porch. Finally, bluebirds love lots of sunlight, so avoid putting your house in deep shade. A mix of sunlight and light shade throughout the day is ideal, as it helps regulate the temperature inside the house. Hopefully these tips will have bluebirds on their way to your birdhouse in no time!