Bluebird House Plans

Birdwatchers and ornithologists noticed a decline in the number of Eastern Bluebirds in 1950s. The main reasons for this decline was attributed to the loss of good nesting habitat and sites, indiscriminate use of pesticides and competition from other more aggressive cavity nesting species. Since then, management programs have been carried out by organizations and individuals throughout the eastern states and all the plans have played a major role. However, the most successful management technique deployed so far is to provide houses for nesting.

Bluebirds

This article will provide information as how a Bluebird house can be built. However, before going into the nuances of the bluebird house plans it is imperative to understand bluebird. There are different species of bluebirds: Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds. The Eastern Bluebirds are found east of the Rockies from southern Canada to the Gulf States. The Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds are not found east of the Mississippi River. Eastern Bluebirds are known to migrate into the warm southern parts during winter.

The Eastern Bluebird is comparatively smaller in size. Males have a blue back, a rusty red breast while the lower belly is white. The females are similar but the colors are not as bright. Young bluebirds have a speckled breast with no red and are mostly gray in appearance. However, a little blue may be present in the wings. Bluebirds are about seven inches in length. Mountain Bluebirds are slightly slimmer when compared to the other species of Bluebirds. Males of all three species are brighter than their female counterparts. Bluebirds mainly feed on insects but eats fruits and berries, especially in winter.

Bluebirds are basically cavity nesters and use old holes made by woodpeckers and natural cavities in large trees posts. They appear to be very fond of birdhouses, especially if it is of the right size in a warm shady area. Although these houses are used primarily in the spring, autumn is also a good time to build the houses as bluebirds are early nesters and at times they begin as early as February. Also in very cold winter weather, Bluebirds use these houses to shield themselves from the bitter cold winds sharing body heat to keep warm.

Bluebird House Plans

There are two major house designs for bluebirds. The first one is the traditional square house and there is an improved design known as the Peterson Bluebird House which has a steeply sloped roof. It has been observed that the Bluebirds prefer the slightly smaller are of the Peterson house, but making this kind of house is comparatively difficult because of the number of angles involved. They are also more expensive when compared to the traditional Bluebird houses. Free plans and directions for both types can be found on the net.

If you want to build a nest box, you will need a lumber piece of dimensions 1" x 6" x 6". Rough cut lumber is recommended as the birds can hang on better on these woods when compared to smooth wood. Ensure that the entry hole is of diameter 1.5". If the hole is bigger, then other birds will take over the nest. Galvanized nails should be used as they do not rust. Clean the house every time you anticipate a new family of Bluebirds to take over the house.

A bluebird house should be placed near an old-field, orchard, park, cemetery for you to have a good chance of attracting a pair of bluebirds. Also, place a few nests close to each other and keep them away from Sparrow houses. They prefer nest boxes on a tree stump or wooden fence post that is not more than three to five feet high. The entry hole should face eastward to northward as this will protect the nest from excessive sun and wind.

A good management program in your locality will help insure that the bluebirds using your houses will be successful in raising their families. Understanding the breeding cycle of the bluebird is essential to planning the activities. The decline in the population of these gentle beautiful birds has caused alarm in many people. Bluebird houses, replacing the natural or woodpecker holes, are being built and erected throughout the continent. You can see for yourself that the Bluebirds have happily adopted these alternatives as homes if you walk along the ‘bluebird trails’ on golf courses and wildlife areas. The good news is that the numbers of bluebirds being reported are increasing again.

Making Bluebird houses in your backyard is a great hobby that you can undertake with your family. Not only will you enjoy quality time with your family, you will also have the privilege of inviting the Bluebirds in your life.