There are three bluebird species 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 are found on the Great Plains. Bluebirds have bright colours and a joyful song and are huge favorites with lovers of wild birds. Populations of bluebirds decreased throughout the previous 100 years, being ejected from their nests by sparrows and starlings.

Helping the Bluebirds

Several clubs of birders have begun various means to support the nesting and breeding of bluebirds. In Missouri in the 1950’s the inhabitants made a National Bluebird Trail with in excess of six thousand bluebird houses. Founded in 1978 The North American Bluebird Society advances the recovery of bluebirds. To help bluebirds you can establish up a Bluebird Trail by making a series of bluebird boxes The perfect bluebird house has been suggested by the North American Bluebird Society and you could make your own or obtain a ready made bluebird house.

Setting up a Bluebird Trail

The best location for a Bluebird Trail is a rural location with light ground cover and dotted trees. There must be roost sites such as wires, tree branches or fences to allow the bluebirds to alight on while looking for food. By 2005 sightings of bluebirds in southern states indicate that they have returned to this region. This has shown that bluebirds have benefited from the establishment of Bluebird Trails. Locations fitting for a Bluebird Trail are out-of-the-way locations of cemeteries, golf courses or parks as long as pesticides have never been used. You should keep away from heavily forested areas with plenty of undergrowth. Bluebird houses should be sited 200 yards apart and be between four and six feet above ground.

Attract Bluebirds to Your Garden

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

Technorati Tags: american bluebird society, bluebird boxes, bluebird house, bluebird trails, heated birdbath, platform feeders

Tags: american bluebird society, bluebird boxes, bluebird house, bluebird trails, heated birdbath, platform feeders