The Blue Birds

 I took the kids to Shawnee Prairie Preserve to build Blue Bird Houses this week. They had fun and now we are anxiously waiting to see the first blue birds move in!

Faith putting the roof on.

Wyatt loved making his birdhouse and was pretty happy with the finished result!

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Bluebirds can be found across most of the United States. All bluebird species have stunning plumage with rich blue backs and rusty underparts, which make them desirable for a beautiful backyard. They readily eat large numbers of insects, moths and larvae and provide superior natural pest control. And, Their trilling, warbling song is another great reason to have them in your yard. 

It's actually pretty easy to attract bluebirds if you have the right conditions. Here's what you can do to increase your odds of attracting a pair of bluebirds to your yard. 

Food: 

Bluebirds consume a wide variety of insects, particularly during the nesting season when hatchlings need abundant protein for adequate growth. Avoiding insecticide use is critical for giving these birds a healthy food source. Bluebirds will also eat a wide variety of berries, such as sumac, holly and elderberry, and adding these berry-producing shrubs to the yard will help create a bluebird-friendly landscape. Suet offered as crumbles or shreds can also be valuable for attracting bluebirds, particularly with insect or fruit blends.

Water: 

Bluebirds require fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing, and a low, wide basin with 1-2 inches of water is ideal for these thrushes. Moving water with a bubbler or fountain will attract their attention more quickly with splashing noises and glittering sparkles. 

Shelter: 

Bluebirds typically prefer mature, widely spaced trees, and they are less likely to visit a backyard with dense, thicket-like areas of foliage. Instead, preserve just a few mature trees and opt for low ground cover surrounding broad, open grassy areas to provide these ground-feeding birds security while foraging. Berry bushes that are a good food source are an excellent choice for plants that will do double-duty as both food and shelter.

Nesting Sites:

Bluebirds are cavity-nesting birds, and they regularly nest in wooden bird houses. Houses should ideally be placed 4-7 feet above the ground in open areas, with the entrance facing away from prevailing winds. Offering nesting materials such as pine needles and cotton scraps may attract bluebirds' attention to the houses. Monitor bluebird houses to discourage house sparrows and European starlings that may usurp the nesting spots and could harm bluebirds. Clean bird houses after each brood leaves to encourage additional nests.

Here's to hoping we have lots of Blue Birds move in this Spring!