Eastern Bluebirds are one of the most stunning and beloved songbirds in North America. Their vibrant blue feathers, cheerful songs, and insect-eating habits make them a favorite among birdwatchers and gardeners alike. However, attracting these beautiful birds to your backyard requires the right approach. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, effective, and instant ways to welcome Eastern Bluebirds to your outdoor space.
Why Attract Eastern Bluebirds?
Eastern Bluebirds are not just a visual delight; they play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. They feed on insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, helping to control garden pests naturally. Additionally, their presence enhances the beauty and biodiversity of your backyard.
1. Provide the Right Birdhouse
One of the fastest ways to attract Eastern Bluebirds is by setting up a proper bluebird house. Here’s what you need to know:
- Size & Design: The entrance hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter to keep out larger, aggressive birds like starlings.
- Placement: Mount the birdhouse 4 to 6 feet above the ground on a pole in an open area away from dense trees.
- Material: Use untreated wooden birdhouses with proper ventilation and drainage.
Pro Tip: Install a predator guard around the entrance hole to protect bluebird eggs and chicks from snakes and raccoons.
2. Offer Their Favorite Food
Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, but they also love certain fruits and berries. To attract them instantly:
- Live Mealworms: Bluebirds love mealworms! Offer them in a shallow dish or special bluebird feeder.
- Berries: Plant native berry-producing shrubs like dogwood, holly, and elderberry.
- Suet & Peanut Butter: During colder months, bluebirds enjoy suet cakes mixed with peanut butter and sunflower hearts.
Providing a variety of food sources will keep bluebirds coming back to your yard.
3. Set Up a Clean Water Source
Water is essential for bluebirds, especially in summer and winter. Install a birdbath with fresh, clean water. Here’s how to make it more appealing:
- Shallow Depth: Keep the water level 1 to 2 inches deep.
- Moving Water: Add a dripper or small fountain to attract bluebirds with the sound of running water.
- Winter Tip: Use a heated birdbath in freezing temperatures to prevent water from icing over.
4. Create a Safe Habitat
Bluebirds prefer open spaces with scattered trees for perching and nesting. To make your yard bluebird-friendly:
- Avoid Pesticides: Bluebirds rely on insects for food. Chemicals can kill their primary food source.
- Provide Perches: Install wooden posts or small branches where bluebirds can rest and hunt for insects.
- Limit Competition: House sparrows and starlings often take over bluebird nests. Monitor birdhouses regularly to remove unwanted occupants.
5. Use Bluebird-Specific Feeders
Regular bird feeders may not be ideal for bluebirds. Instead, use mealworm feeders or platform feeders that allow easy access. Avoid tube feeders, as bluebirds prefer open spaces to feed.
For best results:
- Choose Covered Feeders: Protect food from rain and larger birds.
- Place Feeders Near Perches: Bluebirds like to swoop down from a high spot to grab food.
6. Encourage Nesting with Native Plants
Bluebirds feel at home in natural surroundings. Plant native trees and shrubs to provide shelter and food sources. Good choices include:
- Holly and Dogwood: Provide berries in winter.
- Oak and Pine Trees: Offer natural nesting spots.
- Wildflowers: Attract insects, which are a major food source for bluebirds.
7. Keep Your Backyard Safe
To ensure bluebirds keep coming back, make your yard predator-free:
- Install Baffles: Place these on birdhouse poles to prevent snakes and raccoons from climbing.
- Keep Cats Indoors: Cats are one of the biggest threats to bluebirds.
- Use Motion Sensors: Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter unwanted predators.
Attracting Eastern Bluebirds to your backyard doesn’t have to be difficult. By providing proper nesting boxes, fresh water, the right food, and a safe environment, you can instantly turn your yard into a bluebird haven. With these simple steps, you’ll soon enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds gracing your garden with their presence.
FAQ’s
What is the best food for Eastern Bluebirds?
Bluebirds love mealworms, berries, and suet. Providing live mealworms is the best way to attract them instantly.
Where should I place a bluebird house?
Mount it 4 to 6 feet above the ground in an open area, away from dense trees and human activity.
Do Eastern Bluebirds migrate?
Some migrate south during winter, but many stay in their range year-round if food is available.
How do I keep predators away from bluebirds?
Use baffles on birdhouse poles, keep cats indoors, and install motion-activated deterrents.
What kind of water source do bluebirds prefer?
A shallow birdbath with moving water, like a dripper or fountain, is ideal.
