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There are 3 species of bluebirds in the US, Western, Eastern and Mountain bluebirds. Mountain bluebirds are found at higher elevations in the West, Western Bluebirds are found west of the Great Plains and Eastern Bluebirds on the Great Plains. Bluebirds have vivid colours and a cheerful song and are great favorites with birders. Populations of bluebirds decreased throughout the last one hundred years, being ousted from their nests by predatory birds.

Helping the Bluebirds

Various groups of birders have instituted an assortment of means to encourage the nesting and reproduction of bluebirds. In Missouri in the 1950’s the people made a National Bluebird Trail with in excess of 6000 bluebird houses. Created in 1978 The North American Bluebird Society furthers the revival of bluebirds. To help bluebirds you can establish up a Bluebird Trail by making a succession of bluebird nesting boxes The perfect bluebird house has been suggested by the Bluebird Society and you could build your own or obtain a commercially made bluebird house.

How to Set Up a Bluebird Trail

The best location for a Bluebird Trail is a rural area with sparse ground cover and dotted bushes or trees. There should be roost sites such as fences, wires and trees to permit the bluebirds to land on while hunting for food. Sightings of bluebirds in the south have shown that they have returned to this area. This has shown that bluebirds have benefited from the formation of Bluebird Trails. Places suitable for a Bluebird Trail are isolated locations of cemeteries, golf courses or parks where pesticides haven’t been applied. You should avoid thickly forested areas with plenty of undergrowth. Bluebird houses should be placed 150 yards apart and be between four and six feet above ground.

Attracting Bluebirds to Your Garden

You can draw bluebirds to your garden by placing darkling beetle grubs (available to buy online) or raisins soaked in water on platform garden bird feeders.  Heated birdbaths will also attract them in the winter.