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Key Takeaways
One of my goals for the year was to attract easternbluebirdsto my backyard.
They were frequent visitors a few years ago and then made themselves scarce.
I saw them teasing me from the neighbor’s yard last year and wanted to lure them back.
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So, I added a carefully selected bluebird box to my Christmas list, and my kids generously complied.
The bluebird pair arrived and settled in a tiny, ceramic, ornamental birdhouse hanging next to my backdoor.
I’m thrilled, but clearly, they did not read the academic materials.
The moral of the story?
Do your best, but the birds are going to do their own thing.
Learn more about selecting the right bang out and location for a birdhouse for your yard.
They don’t enjoy the confines of a birdhouse or prefer, like woodpeckers, to build their own.
A sloped roof with a 2 to 4-inch overhang will protect the birds from rain.
The species of birds you want to attract determines the size of the house and the opening hole.
Take the time to research bird nesting preferences before you build or buy.
Where To Place Your Birdhouse
Isn’t all real estate about location, location, location?
Study your favorite bird’s preferences before mounting the birdhouse.
Eastern bluebirds prefer to nest on the edge of open spaces, while chickadees like wooded areas.
Choose a southeastern exposure for the opening to avoid the strongest winds.
Birds are very territorial so space birdhouses at least 25 apart and at least 10 feet from a birdfeeder.
For most species, a birdhouse should be at least five feet above the ground.
Purple martins like an apartment complex of at least 10 rooms located 1520 feet from the ground.
Mount predator baffles and guards to the pole or tree during installation.
If house sparrows seem to take over your birdhouse every year, reduce the size of the entrance hole.
Fresh water for drinking and bathing is a plus.
Bird feeders with an appealing menu are a bonus for birds as they move in and start a family.
Empty last year’s leftover nesting material and wipe the house clean.
take a stab at give the house hunters some space as they choose their nesting site.
Take heart and make bird-friendly upgrades to your yard.
Soon the birds will move in so you could enjoy their antics.
