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Get permission from property owners before placing nest boxes and keep
them informed as to visits, progress and results.
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The best locations for nest boxes are suburban or rural higher elevations.
These have become refuges for bluebirds since they were driven out of the
cities, towns and lower valleys by commerical and residential development
and competition from imported House Sparrows and European Starlings.
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Good sites are large mowed yards, fenced pastures, short grasslands, cemeteries,
rural golf courses, clear-cuts, forest burn areas and vineyards.
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The nest box may be nailed to a wooden fence post or tree or attached to
a metal post. Isolated oaks or orchard trees are often good locations.
Utility poles make good sites if all other guidelines are met. You
do not need permission to place nest boxes on utility poles.
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The nest box should be placed at a height that is easy for monitoring—from
4 to 6 feet above the ground.
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Face the nest box opening away from the prevailing winds to reduce weather-related
problems for nestlings. The hole should open along a fence line or
towards a tree that is within 30 to 100 feet to ensure the fledgling bluebird’s
first flight is successful.
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Position the nest box near overhead utility wires or near a tree or high
perch so the male bluebird can more easily defend his family from predators.
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If bluebirds and swallows are competing seriously for the same nest box,
place another box on the opposite side of the same post or tree or mount
one within 10 to 20 feet of the first nest box.
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Keep the bluebird nest boxes at least ¼ mile apart (territorial
requirement) unless the nest boxes are paired.
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Keep nest boxes away from brushy areas to minimize competition from wrens.
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Keep nest boxes away from ponds, lakes or streams to minimize competition
from swallows.
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Bluebirds love birdbaths and will use them a number of times each day in
the summer. A plain birdbath made of concrete is best—one where the
top can be tipped to empty and refill with fresh water often.
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Be alert for predator problems. Cats, raccoons, snakes and humans
are responsible for many nest failures. Learn to read the signs they
leave and take appropriate action.
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Encourage property owners to preserve old snags. They are good nesting
habitat for bluebirds as well as other cavity-nesting birds.
Revised 11/7/97
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