Maintaining a Clean Bird House
Cleaning should be done on birdhouses and nesting boxes at least once a year. Clean-out doors are a feature of every Natures Way birdhouse that makes it simple to remove the previous nest and any accumulated debris. Cleaning should be completed at the very least before the spring nesting season. There are those who advise cleaning the nesting boxes following each fledged brood. This kind of upkeep will lessen issues with bird parasites and extend the nest box’s useful life.
See our blog post, “Spring Cleaning is for the Birds,” for more thorough cleaning advice.
How To Set Up A Bluebird Trail
A bluebird trail is basically a linear group of bluebird boxes along an easily traversed path that can be monitored as a group. Bluebird trails can be as few as 4 or 5 boxes or as many as several thousand. They are usually set up along easily traveled paths such as roads, dirt trails, fence lines, etc. and can be set up almost anywhere. Golf courses, business parks, farm areas, metroparks, and rural roads are just a few of the places where bluebird trails can be set up successfully.
Usually, someone or some group creates a bluebird trail, keeps an eye on the boxes, and keeps track of nesting information. Because the nest boxes are arranged in a linear path that is simple for one or more people to check, they are much easier to monitor. In this instance, every box has a number so that nest box data results for it can be monitored year over year.
After a location is determined to be suitable for a bluebird trail, the organizer must obtain consent from the relevant landowner or landowners in order to install the nest boxes. This could entail some instruction regarding the regular tasks that must be completed, such as monitoring and maintenance. This project is not one that should be “set it and forget it.” During the nesting season and at various other times for necessary maintenance, monitors will require access to the boxes once or twice a week. The placement of the nest boxes and their method of installation must then be decided upon. Golf courses, for instance, will be sensitive to this. Many of them will insist on having the boxes positioned in trees because they don’t want a lot of poles that lawn mowers could strike.
It can be costly to set up a large bluebird trail unless poles, predator baffles, and boxes are donated. In certain cases, you can economize on predator guards if the area is relatively remote and has few raccoons. Occasionally, guards that fasten to the box can be utilized to save costs. Poles and wood can be recycled to save more money. Lastly, the trail can expand over time to gradually spread out the costs of the new housing. Next, timetables and volunteers must be organized to ensure that every nest box is regularly checked.
Winter Roosting Boxes
Bluebirds will sometimes winter over in Michigan. In this case, they will sometimes use
bluebird nesting boxes that are left out as a place to get shelter on cold winter nights. When doing this, they will often roost in groups of as few as several birds to several dozen. You can temporarily “winterize” your nesting box by plugging up the ventilation openings with weather stripping. This helps keep the box warmer in the winter.
For winter roosting, you can also construct or purchase a nest box. This box is usually larger and has an opening near the bottom instead of the top. Next, there are varying perches inside the box for birds to spend the night on. Because there are no ventilation openings on top of the box, the interior will remain much warmer. The box will stay warm for an extended period of time because warm air rises.
OUR MISSION
to increase the Eastern Bluebird’s success rate in nesting
We firmly support inclusion, equity, and diversity for all people, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or disability. We strive to welcome and engage with ALL. – the Michigan Bluebird Society.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MBS Does Bluebird Programs
Get in touch with MBS to arrange a day and time if you would like someone to present an engaging program on bluebirds for your group. We can speak to garden clubs, schools, civic associations, and nature groups, among others. in most areas of the state. Visit our Contact Us page and send an email to your county’s coordinator. If your county does not have one, get in touch with MBS President Kurt Hagemeister.
How To Set Up A Bluebird Trail
A collection of several bluebird houses arranged along a designated trail is called a bluebird trail. By offering a large number of suitable nesting sites in an appropriate habitat, bluebird trails can be helpful in assisting in the reestablishment of the bluebird population.
To set up a bluebird trail, you’ll first map out the location you’d like to use to determine how many bluebird houses you’ll need along your path. Keep in mind that nesting density and competition from other species will require the houses to be placed a distance apart. Bluebird houses should be placed at least 100 yards apart for Eastern and Western Bluebirds, and at least 200 yards apart for Mountain Bluebirds. Boxes can be mounted in pairs where Tree Swallows are abundant. When paired, boxes should be mounted 5-25 feet apart. This provides nesting sites for both species and helps to prevent competition between them (Ohio Bluebird Society).
The houses should be mounted according to the recommendations above. After the houses are erected, keep an eye on the trail and tidy the house after every brood to promote additional nesting activity.
FAQ
Why should bluebird houses face east?
When should I hang my bluebird house?