Western & Mountain Bluebird Nest Box Plans. Check the box holes for rough edges that could damage The adults are slightly larger and thinner-billed than other bluebirds; their wings are proportionately longer than the other bluebird species. A Nest-Box Plan for Western and Mountain Bluebirds This is a fairly easy box to build. Mistletoe and juniper berries are favorites, and they love mealworms at feeders. Below we have included free bluebird house plans, a simple one-board box that's relatively easy to build. A Nest-Box Plan for Western and Mountain Bluebirds This is a fairly easy box to build. They are medium- to short-distance migrants that winter in the southern part of their range and begin nesting in early April. Bluebirds like this nest box too, and they will readily move in to raise their brood. 5. Both adult and newly fledged bluebirds like to sit on small trees or fence posts from which they can scout for insects on the ground. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. There are several Western Bluebird Boxes. The birds will be more likely to use them if they are left as Others put up a second box nearby only when a non-bluebird species has claimed a nest box first. It is not advised that you paint or stain your 3. Tighten upper, shorter screw against conduit. National Audubon Society All of His insistence on weekly nest checks has been critical to bluebird recovery.”, • Lumber: cypress (used here), white cedar, hemlock, or local weather-resistant wood with low toxicity, • Exterior screws: twelve 1 5/8” (basic construction); two to six 1 1/4” (roof to inner roof); and two 2” (pole mounting block to back), • Caulk or sealant (sealing between top and inner roof), • One 2 1/2” galvanized nail (bent, latch nail), • Mounting: One 1/2”x5’ galvanized metal conduit, one 1/2”x4’–5’ steel rebar (for stake), and one conduit coupler. Bluebirds and other species often use nest boxes for roosting in cold weather. But today, natural cavities can be hard to find. Range: Western Bluebirds are found in southwestern Canada, Mexico, and many western U.S. states. Soft tch-tch-tch calls can also be heard. Building a bluebird nest box is a good way to help in the conservation of bluebirds at the local level. They typically begin nesting as early as January in the south and in March in the northern United States and southern Canada. Cut or drill ventilation openings in the floor and under … Voice: The song is a series of call notes described as few or kew. The preferred nesting habitats for Mountain Bluebirds consist of short grass areas interspersed by a few trees. In flight, look for short blue wings and tail. Egg-laying: Typically one egg each day until the clutch is complete. Western Bluebirds can be found in woodland edges and open, park-like forests, including those that have been thinned or lightly logged. You can also download a printable PDF of the instructions here. Feeding: Keen-eyed Eastern Bluebirds feed on ground-dwelling insects, including beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, which they can spot while perched as far as 150 feet away. Nest boxes help maintain bluebird populations that have declined by as much as 90%. the bird's feathers. Printed with permission from Bluebirds Forever (Toops 1994) Plans available from: Hubert Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project c/o Patricia Johnston 7717 SW 50th Avenue Portand, OR 97219 Both sexes are seven inches long and stout billed. Most important, bluebirds need to live near a ready supply of insect food. natural wood. 1. Bluebirds may nest in one, and swallows, chickadees, or titmice in the other. In the late 1970s, Peterson received an outpouring of letters and requests for nest box plans following a widely read Minneapolis Star Tribunearticle on his bluebird work. … Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards, Great Egret. Avoid mounting nest boxes on fences or trees where climbing mammals or snakes are present. 2. houses to choose from. In the natural world, all three species of North American bluebirds—the Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds—seek tree cavities or woodpecker holes for nesting sites. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Not long ago, many bluebirds nested in wooden fence posts, especially around farms. The inner nest cup may be lined with softer, finer materials. Clean pole with steel wool and coat it with furniture polish. Nesting Box. Since bluebirds typically lay eggs in the morning, the ideal time to check nests is in the afternoon. Mountain Bluebirds typically fledge within 17 to 21 e days. First clutches average five to six eggs; second clutches average four to five eggs. Many of those have been removed or replaced with treated wood, plastic, or metal posts. Home Birds Birdhouses Birdhouse Plans Birdhouse Forum About. This “peaceable kingdom” occurs for practical reasons: These bird neighbors, by and large, do not share the same food supply. Leave a gap between the top of the front piece and the inner roof. Drill the latch nail hole slightly downward. Use these step-by-step instructions to build a home for one of our most dazzling North American ducks. Nesting boxes for bluebirds - Mountain Democrat, Function over form | Birdhouses must serve the needs of their inhabitants rather than being pretty display pieces - The Columbus Dispatch, Exploring the Last Green Valley: Bluebird numbers are on the rise - Norwich Bulletin, The Best Birdhouses, According to Birders - New York Magazine, ENJOYING NATURE: Answers to bluebird questions | Glade Sun - Crossville Chronicle, Outdoors: Looking to attract bluebirds? Slip coupler over rebar. During the breeding season, check nests at least once a week. We at 70birds have no interest in your information. Building bluebird nest boxes is a great way to help conserve birds at the local level. Females are a paler, grayer version of the male.