Building a bluebird trail is easy! A bluebird trail consists of a number of nesting boxes spaced 100 yards or more apart and so located that they can be conveniently monitored by going from box to box by car, bicycle or on foot.

A bluebird trail can consist of as many boxes as you like, as long as they are spaced properly. Bluebird population typically shows a dramatic increase along bluebird trails that have been operated successfully for a number of years. Building a bluebird trail is essential for providing ample nesting places for offspring, especially where the bluebird’s natural habitat has been destroyed or overtaken by starlings & sparrows.

Nesting usually begins in February or March, depending on weather conditions. First, a suitable nesting spot has to be selected. Days and sometimes weeks elapse between the time a home is selected and nest building begins. The female builds the nest almost entirely by herself, but the male will typically accompany her while she collects the nesting material, (presumably to make sure she is doing it right ; ) )! The nest is made of grasses and occasionally pine needles, where available. It usually takes 5-6 days for the nest to be completed. Bluebirds time the nest building so that the first egg is laid 4 to 5 days after then nest has been completed. One egg is laid each day until the clutch is complete.

Where you choose to mount the box is as important as how the box is designed. Bluebirds like open areas. They rarely nest in wooded areas, but will nest in clearings. Open areas with scattered trees are best. Open fields are suitable if there are posts or wires for perching. Look for any area where the vegetation is kept short by mowing, or grazing such as parks, campgrounds, pastures, large lawns, cemeteries, golf courses and abandoned orchards. Generally bluebirds nest only in rural areas and the very outer edges of suburban developments. Proper placement of your nesting box (boxes) can encourage bluebirds and discourage other competing birds and predators.

Bluebirds — It’s recommend that nesting boxes be mounted on 6 to 6-1/2 feet pipe. The boxes should be mounted 4 to 5 feet from the ground. Boxes should be placed at least 100 yards apart because bluebirds establish a territory during the nesting season and a nesting pair will not allow other bluebirds to enter their territory.

To maximize your chances of attracting bluebirds when competition from swallows is evident, it’s recommend to place two boxes 5-8 feet apart. Swallows will exclude another pair of swallows from nesting this close. Swallows only defend their nest site itself. This leaves the other box open to bluebirds.

Wrens like more bushy areas. To avoid competition with the wrens, place the bluebird nestbox in more open areas at least 50 feet or more away from brush and woods.

Face the box towards a tree, shrub or pole so the young can fly toward it. Your nesting box should be put up and ready for use by the end of March if possible. If they are put up later than this time, they still should be attractive to bluebirds who are raising their second or third broods.

It is important that all nesting boxes be frequently monitored to detect blowfly and/or use by house sparrows. Without control, these predators will place the survival of the bluebird in jeopardy. Bluebird boxes that are placed in the field and not monitored may do more harm than good to bluebirds.

Check in early spring to see if the deer mouse or white-footed mouse has occupied the nestbox during the winter. If so, remove the contents. Then your box will be ready for the next bluebird occupants.