Western bluebird nest box

Do not open the box after nestlings are 12–13 days old. Visit the Western Bluebird and Mountain Bluebird pages. Bluebird, the Western Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird. To decrease competition from Tree Swallows, you can pair nest boxes about 15–20' apart, with pairs of houses about 300' from each other. Bluebird nest box kits for kids or the young at heart. Nov 28, 2023 · Nest materials include fine grasses, weeds, twigs, and/or pine needles. 5” where the base of the floor is a 4. x 8-1/7 in. If they want to try again in that box, having an existing nest can save them time. Use wood rough-cut on both sides so that birds can grip both interior and exterior surfaces. The rear edge should stand 12 1⁄4 inches tall, with the front edge at 10 3⁄4 inches in height. Nest Box Dimensions. 5 inches (Ideal for eastern bluebirds, western bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, tufted titmouse, nut hatches and house wrens). (Note: the start of a Tree Swallow nest can look like a House Sparrow nest – don’t remove it unless you’re sure!) Occasionally contain mosses, rootlets, aquatic This nesting box has a floor size of 5. Deep blue, rusty, and white, males are considerably brighter than the gray-brown, blue-tinged females. Lee keeps meticulous records of each box and the broods of birds in them. Proudly Made in the USA. Eggs are smooth shelled, sub elliptical in shape and 2. He advised Veronica he could place the orphaned baby birds in active nests Quality handcrafted bluebird houses for nesting bluebirds. WEBL nests may be more likely than Eastern Bluebird nests to contain trash and feathers, and thus may be confused with House Sparrow nests. In the former 1970s, Peterson received an outpouring from literature and requests for nest box plans followers a widely read Minneapolis Enter Tribunearticle to his The Bluebird Trail is a special project of the Audubon Society of Corvallis started by Elsie Elzroth in 1976. The nest on the left has more feathers than usual. The recommended depth from the bottom of the entry hole to the floor is about 6”. For the two side panels, slice wooden boards to 6 1⁄2 inches wide. These instructions include plans to cut one sheet of plywood into parts for nine boxes (view the plans to cut three sheets of plywood into parts for 30 boxes (PDF)). According to two different studies, 26% – 44% of adult bluebirds return to breed at the same site where they nested the previous year. Western Bluebird, Female. Dec 18, 2012 · Crafted from premium cedar with a water-based protective stain. In general, this will be a 1 1/2 inch round hole for Eastern Bluebirds and 1 9/16 inch round hole for Western and Mountain Bluebirds. The blowfly larvae will fall through the wire and be unable to get back up to the nest. These plans can be used to build a bluebird nest box from a single 5' plank of 1" x 6" lumber. Building Specifications. I built my first birdhouse as a way to get back into woodworking. Photo: Photograph by Jeff Hutchens. On each side, drill a row of 5⁄8 inch ventilation holes Cedar Bluebird Nesting Box. Installing your bluebird box on a metal pole will help ensure that predators such as raccoons will not be ransacking your nest box. 4. I didn't thin Feb 5, 2024 · One of the most critical elements of a bluebird nest box is the size of the entrance hole. If the nest inside is made of fine Sep 12, 2022 · Eastern bluebirds’ eggs are sky blue in color, or, on rare occasions, can be white ‒ in around 4-5% of females. To construct the nest box top, cut a square wooden piece measuring 11 1⁄4 inches on all sides. Free Plans – Click Here to Download PDF. The following spacing between nestboxes are often cited: Eastern Bluebirds — 100 yards minimum (125 to 150 yards apart may be better) Mountain Bluebirds — 200 to 300 yards. (567) $9. All you have to do is get a ruler out and measure. Hubert Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project shared that boxes should be about 150 yards apart from each other, facing an open, grassy, mowed area. The western bluebird is a small member of the thrush family (smaller than a robin; 6. A fence post in a clearing with scattered trees about 20 m away is probably a good location. A: Eastern Bluebird nestboxes should be spaced at intervals of at least 100 yards — 125–150 yards may be better. Eggs are usually white or pale pink, larger than house wren eggs, and speckled with rusty, reddish-brown spots. Mountain and western bluebirds sometimes lay up to 8 eggs and require this additional space. The adult female has a duller blue body, wings, and tail, a gray throat, a dull orange breast, and a Completed Box 13⁄ 8" 2¼" Increase Your Chances of Nest Box Success! Information on natural history, habitat, nest box placement, and management for Midwestern birds is available in Woodworking for Wildlife. Download a PDF of the San Clemente Lifter Assembly Plan. Jan 7, 2021 · Bluebird Eggs. Helpful Tips. Living up to their name, bluebirds are, well, blue. Between 3 and 7 eggs are laid in each clutch, with 4 to 5 being the most usual number. Blue throat and gray belly are distinctions from Eastern Bluebird. Bluebird Birdhouse Condo Box Birdhouse Solid Wood Handmade USA Fledgling View Panel Air Vented and Nest Screen Included 12x8x7 (2 Pack) (76) $70. (reproduced with permission of Hatch Graham) CBRP County Coordinators Nestbox and Retriever Construction Plans Nestbox Grants Reporting Individual Nest Box Record - CBRP Form #1 (Update 8/24/21)Record the Oberholser (1974) describes the breeding habitat of Western Bluebird in Texas as forested canyons and slopes of Trans-Pecos mountains. , smaller in lumbered areas than in pastures) and number of nesting cavities, and time of year (e. to 5 ft. Lee knew exactly which Western Bluebird nests could foster the nestlings. Nest boxes in urban areas or near farm buildings are usually occupied by house sparrows. 1 in). Designed with a 1-9/16 in. The front of this nest box swings open to allow for easy cleaning by removing the two bottom front screws. It is also their interesting approach to nesting. For many species of birds, there is a shortage of great places to nest. Photo: Laurie Wilson Reference Material Monitoring Guide: Monitoring Your Bluebird Trail in California, Hatch Graham. These educational Fact Sheets and Plans for construction of Bluebird nest boxes/accessories are free to download and print (as indicated by (PDF) after each title) for your own use, or to use as handouts at Bluebird programs, or for anyone interested in Bluebirds. FREE shipping. 5" x 4" (22 square inch), and a 1 9/16" entry hole that is suitable for Western and Mountain Bluebirds HAPPINESS GUARANTEED - We stand by the quality of this bird box and we are confident that it will last longer than other bird houses for outside! Aug 6, 2020 · Sale BirdInformer BESTSELLER # 1. Female much duller and grayer than male, with solid gray throat. However, she may only take a couple of days -or- she may take up to six weeks. Oct 16, 2023 · The western bluebird is a small stocky bird with a length of 15 to 18 cm (5. Select an open area with scattered trees and sparse ground cover. Simple to monitor, an Eastern bluebird favorite! The Gilbertson Nest Box is approved by the North American Bluebird Society. Unlike many thrushes, Mountain Bluebirds hunt insects from perches or while on the This nest box for both western and mountain bluebirds has a 5″ by 5″ floor, a 12″ floor to ceiling height and a 1 9/16″ diameter entrance hole located 10″ above the floor. The best way to attract bluebirds in Kentucky is to put up a nest box in an open area. 25 square inches, which makes it ideal for Western & Mountain Bluebirds. The female bluebird typically takes 4-5 days to complete building the nest. spade bit (1-1/2 in. Since bluebirds are secondary-cavity nesters, they make use of old woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities, and nest boxes to build their nest. Juveniles are similar in color to the female The Western Bluebird needs a 1 ½” diameter round entrance hole and the Mountain Bluebird needs a 1 9/16” diameter entrance hole. 00. But there is a good deal of variation. It is approximately 7 inches long, with a short tail, pointed wings, a small dark bill, bright blue head, wings and rump. And last, build this birdhouse and install it in the right place. Marvelous birds to capture in your binoculars, male Eastern Bluebirds are a brilliant royal blue on the back and head, and warm red-brown on the Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days for Eastern, 13-14 days for Mountain and 13-14 days or Western Bluebirds. Four Eastern Bluebird eggs inside the nest. Bluebird nesting habits and behavior include entrusting females with nest construction, which they do by lining pre-existing cavities with pine needles and grasses instead of constructing the cavities themselves. In Arizona half of these bluebirds breed in pinyon-juniper habitats (pure, mixed with ponderosa pine or grassland) and 36% in ponderosa pine habitats (pure, mixed with Gambel’s oak or. Apr 27, 2023 · To properly mount a bluebird house, place it on a large metal pole. Made in the USA from long lasting western red cedar. Some made of wood, others PVC. F30 Nestbox Plan PDF – Ideal for Western/Mountain Bluebirds (Nestboxbuilder. Females are duller overall with some blue in the wings and tail and more gray and brown coloring. The box should also be well-ventilated, with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Lauder, who spent 38 years analyzing bluebird boxes, created the design for this bluebird box. Other preferred features include: A. Download a PDF of The Purvis Lifter Plans. Make a 5″ by 5″ floor (inside dimensions) and a 12″ floor to ceiling height (inside front). Check your bluebird boxes at least once or twice a week during the nesting season, until chicks are close to fledging. We recommend the Universal Mounting Pole Kit, which can be found on Amazon* because it comes with a mounting flange, a built-in auger, and a twist bar to help drive it into the ground. 6-9/14 in. As a general rule, you should place your bluebird house in an open, sunny area where there is plenty of short grass where bluebirds can catch insects. 1-1/2 inch entrance hole perfect for Eastern Bluebirds. Position the nest box so that the entrance hole is facing east and towards open habitat. Western Bluebirds exhibit cooperative breeding; 2–14% of pairs have About. 5” and the walls are about 9” high. com) The F30 bluebird nestbox has a large floor space, totaling 30. Your support will help improve the understanding of birds and wildlife through research, education, and citizen science. Now with optional poly-lumber matching roof. Preferred by blues over the years, cool birdhouse mounts quickly and easily on 1/2-inch metal conduit. It gets hot inside the box when exposed to direct sun so select a spot that is shaded from the afternoon sun. The nest box should Apr 26, 2019 · His unique “Peterson” nest box, equal its signature sloping roof to thwart predators, is credited with helping restore bluebird inhabitants in Minnesota additionally elsewhere. That is the short and sweet answer for where to place a Male Eastern Bluebird in a Tree Photo by ibm4381 is licensed under CC BY 2. Bluebird eggs are a little larger and a deeper blue Dec 14, 2023 · Found in North America, there are three known species of bluebird; the Eastern . Use aged red cedar if possible. Leave 1/4" space at the top of front for ventilation. female western bluebird ( Veit /Flickr) A Fascinating Look at Baby Bluebirds: Time-Lapse Video with Live Nest Box Cam. Male deep purplish blue on upperparts and throat, reddish brown on chest and sometimes center of back; belly gray. One design for a bluebird box appears at right. If possible, afternoon shade may make a difference when the temps reach 100 degrees. 1 year limited warranty. Therefore, there is about a one in three chance that the bluebirds you have in your nest box this year will return to the same box the following year. Approximate length of the breeding season. Bluebirds typically lay 4 to 5 eggs, though they can have clutch sizes of up to 7 eggs in some cases. The standard area for a bluebird box used to be 4 inches by 4 inches, but it is now recommended that bluebird nest boxes have a floor space of 5 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches. Free with. x 12-9/14 in. The availability of landing places such as low trees or gutters in the proximity of nest boxes is desirable to aid bluebird fledglings in their initial flight. The top of the birdhouse should be easily opened for cleaning. (567) $47. Eastern Bluebirds: Use nest boxes with a 1-1/2" diameter entrance Space individual or paired bluebird nest storage at least 300 feet seperate or out of the line of sight since of nearest bluebird snuggle box. Designed with proper ventilation and drainage to provide a safe habitat, the front of the house also opens up for easy removal of old nesting materials (tools not necessary). 6-7" (15-18 cm). Interior Height: 9 inches (with a slanted roof) Build a Bluebird Nest Box (PDF) (by Lee Pauser) provides information needed to build a hanging bluebird nest box specifically designed for the Western Bluebird. Handsaw. I am working on making a free video tutorial Description. Of the three species of bluebirds found in Colorado (Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird and Eastern Bluebird), the male Mountain Bluebirds are the first ones to return. Breast sides and patch on the back are rusty brown. Western and Mountain Bluebird House Plans. $100+ gift. Like most nest boxes, Bluebirds are susceptible to predators. The number of broods depends on many factors, including weather and food supply. Males have a brilliant blue head, wings, and tail with a rusty breast and back. Drill a 1 9/16″ diameter entrance hole located 10 Bluebirds also avoid boxes that reside next to large bodies of water. Predator guard extends the entrance hole to protect young birds However, it is better to start a bluebird trail with boxes placed too far apart than too close together. Words by Jesse Grantham. Most of the country drives during an eastern North American summer will turn up a few Eastern Bluebirds sitting on telephone wires or perched atop a nest box, calling out in a short, wavering voice or abruptly dropping to the ground after an insect. To deter European Starlings from your bluebird nest boxes, make sure you are using a nest box with the correct size of entrance hole. This small thrush nests in holes in trees or nest boxes and often gathers in small flocks outside of the breeding season to feed on insects or Classic 22 Side-Opening Box (NestboxBuilder. Wood should be around 5/8" thick for insulation. Nest boxes should be placed in semi-open areas such as pastures, fields, and rural roadsides. Air vents allow for proper air ventilation through wall and floor openings. Tape measure or ruler. Mount the nest box at least five feet off the ground, not too close to buildings, and at least 50 feet away from brushy or wooded areas. When building or buying a bluebird house, make sure you consider the size of the entrance hole. The adult male is bright blue on top and on the throat with an orange breast and sides, a brownish patch on back, and a gray belly and undertail coverts. Sometimes they’ll also include animal fur, feathers, and/or rootlets. Some general criteria are: Inside dimensions a minimum of 4″x4″ (4″x5″ preferable) for the Eastern Bluebird, 5″x5″ for the mountain/western bluebirds. com Eastern Bluebird Note: Western Bluebirds need a 1½" diameter round entrance hole and . In open parklands of the American West, brilliant blue-and-rust Western Bluebirds sit on low perches and swoop lightly to the ground to catch insects. g. The trail consists of hundreds of bluebird nest boxes at dozens of sites on public and private property in Nest of grass or pine needles, usually lined with feathers. There are many styles and shapes of bluebird boxes. Both females incubate and feed the chicks. Jan 10, 2024 · Cutting Pieces to Size. Bluebird Nest Box. Published June 29, 2012. 99. from the box. See how to build and install birdhouses at western & mountain bluebird pages. Bluebird house mounted to a T-Post with strap clamps. Grooves on the inside of the house just below the entry hole enable the young to climb up to feed and peer out at the world around them. Order at minnesotasbookstore. It should overhang the entrance hole at a 22. 5-7. Jun 21, 2019 · Measure and Cut Bluebird House Door. For oval entrance holes, all species of bluebirds can use an entry that is 2 1/4 inches tall by 1 3/8 inches Shown above are some of the ideal features for a bluebird nestbox. The large roof provides extra The females do almost all of the nest construction, gathering grasses, straw, pine needles, moss, other plant fibers, and fur from the ground and carrying it to the nest. *The copper hole protector pictured on the Here you will find recommended bluebird nest box specifications as well as 5 other styles of plans. It’s crucial that bluebirds have adequate space to nest in. For reducing competition between bluebirds and Tree Swallows we urge people to space bluebird boxes the recommended 300′ apart. Moonflower Seed. Eastern bluebirds will need a 1 1/2 inch circular entrance hole, while western and mountain bluebirds will need a 1 9/16 inch round hole. PVC will not rot, split or crack, nest box will host many successful 1 1/8" round. Western Bluebird; House wren; Tree Swallow; Black-capped Chickadee; Mountain Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; Place the nest box on posts, snags or tree trunks 4' to 15' above the ground. This small thrush nests in holes in trees or nest boxes and often gathers in small flocks outside of the breeding season to feed on insects or In open parklands of the American West, brilliant blue-and-rust Western Bluebirds sit on low perches and swoop lightly to the ground to catch insects. Mountain and Western Bluebird boxes should be 200–300 yards apart. Clean out old nests as soon as a brood fledges so that the nest box can be used for a second nest attempt. Female Western Bluebirds are the ones to do all of the nest building. Image by Lydia Lively© However, it is not just their striking colouration that makes the bluebird stand out. Mar 26, 2024 · Floor Size. 5-inch hole for eastern and 1-9/16-inch hole for western and mountain bluebirds, the latter working universally for all 3 species. The floor-space should be 5" x 5". Not sure if cleaning out the nest box is the primary reason for a successful second clutch, but you may want to test it. WHAT TO MONITOR When you monitor a box, determine which species is using it by examining nesting material and eggs. As of the 2021 nesting season’s end, Lee's nest boxes have fledged over 16,858 birds (including 6,670 Western Bluebirds). The depth should be 8". Opt for houses with an entrance hole of 1. high on an Audubon pole, baffled wood post or tree. She lines the nest cup with grasses, rootlets, feathers, horsehair, and sometimes bits of plastic. This can be done as soon as all chicks have left the nest. the roof overhanging all sides (5 inches on front, 2 - 3 inches on sides and back; Aug 17, 2018 · Annie & David, I also have nest boxes for Western Bluebird, and my experience for achieving a second clutch is cleaning the next box out after the first clutch. Partially covered gutters, nesting boxes, tight spaces formed by broken tree branches, birdhouses, and even cavities formed by missing bricks in old buildings are all prime real estate to a Bluebird. 160 feet. $50+ gift. This is one of the best sites for information on bluebirds and nest box plans. Breeding habitat is limited to aquatic areas with dead trees, in boreal, deciduous, aspen and montane woods; favor calm, large, clear lakes without much vegetation or fish. 2. $ 34. For one, bluebird nesting habits and behavior are quite interesting. The box shown is made of ¾ inch western red cedar and coated with white exterior latex paint and features a 1 9/16 inch round entrance hole. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the North American Bluebird Society provide detailed plans for building, installing, and maintaining nest boxes (see Sources of Additional Information). Print bluebird nest box plans or just view in a mobile device your workshop. g Place boxes in meadows, old fields, pastures, lawns, bluebirds (and other species) bend a piece of 3/8- or 1/4-inch mesh, hardware cloth (in the shape of a shallow 'u'), so that it sits I inch off the floor of the box and covers the entire floor. 5 inches x 4 inches. Warren H. Western Bluebirds — 100 yards minimum (200-300 yards may be Description: Western Bluebird is a member of the thrush family. Bluebird House Kit. They carry straw, grasses, moss, pine needles, and fur to the nest. Areas that are typically wise nest box location choices include: Mown Nest Hole Entry Size: 1. When a bluebird nest is successful, re-nesting in the same box may be encouraged if the first nest is removed. The top of the house should lift up for monitoring. 5-19 cm in length). Our bluebird nesting boxes are North American Bluebird Society (NABS) approved and are constructed out of inland red cedar, eastern white pine, cypress and recycled plastic. Then visit the Western and Mountain Bluebird Nest Box page. Birdhouses can be placed in backyards, schoolyards, parks, orchards, farms, pastures, cemeteries, woodlots, deserts, citiesyou name it. Most bluebird pairs raise one or two broods per season, but some raise three broods, rarely even four or five. Download a PDF of these instructions on how to make a simple next box retriever. This design can be Feb 7, 2024 · Western Bluebirds are very willing to use nest boxes, so if you want to attract these birds to your yard, we highly recommend you hang up a nest box. Jun 29, 2012 · With a few tools and materials, you can make a home for bluebirds in your backyard. 97 cm (1 9/16 inches) diameter entrance hole approximately 5. A Western exposure tends to work well. The female lays one egg every day. 5”x4. This Cedar Bluebird Nesting Box is our top selling bird house, and for good reason. Build the western and mountain bluebird nest box with red cedar, pine, or almost any soft wood. Birdhouse is easy to clean for simple maintenance. Wild Wings WWCH3 Cedar Blue Bird Box House. The size of the territory depends on ground cover (e. The nest box stays nice and dry, and I don’t have to worry about the bluebird nest getting soaked. The location of a bluebird nest box is important. Proudly Made in USA. Air vents allow for maximum air ventilation through wall and floor openings - Clean-out doors provide easy access for cleaning. You can clean out a box to encourage another brood, but personally, I do NOT remove a bluebird nest after a failed nesting. 5 inches in diameter to deter larger birds. About this Item: House Opening: 1-9/16" diameter entrance hole Our top-of-the-line bluebird house features all of the key elements needed for a successful nesting experience for both tenant and landlord. for mountain bluebirds), then use a rasp to even out the edges. The house should have a circular hole no larger than one and a half inches in diameter for eastern bluebirds, and one and nine-sixteenths of an inch for mountain and western bluebirds. 5° degree angle to provide protection from rain. A Nest-Box Plan for Western and Mountain Bluebirds This is a fairly easy box to build. If nesting bluebirds are harassed by Tree Swallows, or more than 50% of bluebird trail boxes are occupied by swallows, consider setting up a second, “paired” box 5-20 ft. An ideal nest box for bluebirds has a sanded maximum 3. It's the ideal size for bluebirds, and it includes the proper drainage and ventilation to keep babies dry. They lay clutches of 2 to 7 eggs with an incubation period of 11 Jun 20, 2023 · According to Benedict Pinkowsky (1974c), who monitored 184 nestling eastern bluebirds in Michigan, young bluebirds fledged between days 16 and 22 after hatching. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Eastern Bluebird Birdhouse Apr 24, 2023 · Bluebirds can get very creative when choosing a location for their nests. General bluebird nest box dimensions should be: at least 9”x4. If the hole is too small, bluebirds cannot enter the nest box. Entice more starting these beautiful birds to visit with is tips for attracting bluebirds into your Mar 1, 2018 · Returning bluebirds are one sure sign of spring. Mount nest box approximately 4 ft. Juvenile is spotted. Wren Bird House Nesting Box All Natural Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar. Clean-out door allows easy access to clean between broods. Nesting Box The pipe detaches from the wooden roof to monitor bluebird nests quickly and easily. Feathers often placed to curl up over eggs. In pair-on-pair contests the larger, stronger bluebirds have the advantage and normally win. Flatter cup (about 2″ diameter, up to 1. Of all the nesting options, Bluebirds prefer woodpecker holes by far. Tools. You may spot these cavity-nesters flitting between perches in mountain meadows, in burned or cut-over areas, or where prairie meets forest—especially in places where people have provided nest boxes. Get all the latest news, research discoveries, and project information about NestWatch and the nesting season in your email Nov 25, 2015 · They are easy to make, and building boxes is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages. 5 inches in diameter. Select from both functional and decorative bluebird house designs with specifications in mind for Eastern Nesting Box Placement Is Important. Generally, a forward-slanting roof will keep a nest box drier than a roof that slants backwards or to the sides. There may be birds that would love to call your habitat home, but they have a specific nesting requirement which needs to be met. Doing so could result in the nestlings leaving the box before they Apr 1, 2022 · A Bluebird house’s hole size should be: 1. How long till they leave the nest? After hatching the chicks will remain in the nest for 16-22 days for Eastern, 17-22 Dec 19, 2023 · Selecting an appropriate bluebird house is the first step. Male Mountain Bluebirds lend a bit of cerulean sparkle to open habitats across much of western North America. Bluebird house is made from pine and copper. The female is greyer, paler, but has rusty color on breast. Mountain bluebirds need a slightly larger entry hole diameter of 1-9/16 inches. If you are looking to purchase a pre-made bluebird house, check out the nest boxes I recommend on my Recommended Tools page ( click here ). This usually means one pair of bluebirds contends with just one pair of Tree Swallows. The forward-slanting roof keeps the nest box dry. from the first. The bluebird nest box should be at least 5 feet up, though a little higher is better. And, in order to make the boxes just right for the cavity-dwelling bluebirds, the access holes should be small, with a 1-9/16” round opening entrance. #4. com) Designed by Fred Stille. Females usually build a new nest. The next step to build a bluebird house is to cut part D from a 1×4 so the end is 45 degrees, and then reset your saw to cut the piece to final length. In the Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas, birders have even spotted bluebirds as early as the second week of February. DIMENSIONS: Nest box dimensions are important to consider. The above photo by Dolan Trout is licensed under CC BY 2. Great kid's project and easy to build. Nest box entry hole sizes for eastern and western bluebirds should be 1. The Location of nest box is an important decision. Failed Nesting: If nesting fails, bluebirds may try again in 1-7 days if there is sufficient time left in the nesting season. Its mission is to promote the conservation of Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) through field work and scientific studies. If the size of the hole is too large, bluebirds might be forced out by the larger, more aggressive sparrows and starlings. A bluebird house should be made of sturdy wood to keep predators out. Please do not put up a bluebird nestbox if you do not plan to monitor it. Their nests are usually domed up to the entrance hole, and active nests will have a soft “nest cup” made of hair, fur, feathers, and other soft materials. All Natural Cedar Bluebird Nestbox Kits. 6-30 feet. Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds. hole and a predator guard. If House Wrens are likely to be a problem, be sure the box is mounted at least 50–200 feet away from a wooded or brushy area. Record the 2 Bat Houses Nesting Box 100% Natural Western Red Cedar Mosquito Control. Together we can make a difference! Donate to Nestwatch. Common Goldeneye. 3 1/4" high x 4 1/4" wide. The entrance should be 1 1/2". This was part of a local Bluebird Trail, or series of nest boxes spaced at least 300′ apart Protecting Bluebird Houses from predators. Applicable to all cavity nesting species. Installing a predator guard can further enhance the safety of the nesting site. 9 to 7. Nestling bluebirds leave the nest on average 19 days after hatching, based on all 184 nestlings in the study. 95. Perfect. Jul 1, 2017 - Build their own Peterson bleeding nest box plans with those step-by-step instructions. On rare occasions, two females may lay eggs in the same nest. That’s why I like the forward-slanting roof on the CWH4 bluebird house. This is too small for mountain bluebirds. Galvanized or coated nails hold better than smooth nails. Please several inches of wood shavings in the box in early spring. Nest Description: Collection of grasses, weed stems, and, sometimes, hair and feathers. The bluebirds are quick to rebuild a second nest. 0. Nest Box and Lifter Plans. Tree Swallows. 0 How to Attract Bluebirds in Kentucky. Typically bluebirds lay fewer eggs in a clutch later in the season, as you observed. Sep 29, 2021 · Appropriate nest box entry hole diameters for bluebirds. Jan 4, 2023 · Here’s a quick guide to identifying the eggs and nests of some of the most likely species you’ll find in your bluebird nest box. Rough wood makes it easier for chicks to enter and exit. Nest Box Dimensions: Interior Floor: 4. Eastern, mountain and western bluebird: cup nest made of fine grasses and sometimes pine needles; females lay two to seven pale blue eggs (rarely pure white). Stay-clear, crack-resistant window allows for viewing while protecting young inhabitants. 5 cm (1 in) in length. How best to protect against them depends on the predator. 5 in/16. Where species overlap, use the larger opening. 5″ deep) than bluebirds. Download a PDF of Western Bluebird Nestbox Plan. 0 cm (2”) below the front roof top. Incubation usually begins right after the last egg was laid, but sometimes the female will wait a day or two. Our unique two-way opening system LEFT: Western Bluebird (WEBL) nest photo by Linda Violett. The opening to the nest box should face away from direct afternoon sun in the summer – so east, north, or northeast. Cut the entry hole by drilling two overlapping holes with a 1-3/8- in. ws bt pm pa jq md ro jp by hy