Calling All Bluebirds

While Eastern bluebirds live in Western North Carolina year-round, February is the month to prepare new accommodations for your bluebird friends. During February and March, male bluebirds begin their search for potential nesting sites. After searching for the perfect spot, they then begin searching for the perfect mate. The chivalrous male will then let his partner make the final decision on where to call home.

Bluebirds are pretty particular about their nesting location. Their nesting boxes should be placed in an open area facing a lawn or a field with trees nearby for safety and security. The entrance hole must be exactly one and a half inches in diameter to keep other birds, squirrels, and small animals out. There should also be no perch on the box to minimize intruders. The territorial bluebird also requires that houses be placed at least 300 feet apart from each other. 0

If you are fortunate enough to attract bluebirds to

your backyard, the female will lay four to six pale blue eggs in her nest, and two weeks later, baby bluebirds will hatch. Both the mama and dada bluebirds share parenting responsibilities. The male is primarily responsible for feeding while the female wastes no time in preparing for the next brood. Bluebirds may have up to three broods each summer.

Bluebirds are a unique variety of birds as they are exceptionally family and community conscious. If one parent dies, the other will work twice as hard to feed and care for the baby birds. Another quality of bluebirds is that unattached, single bluebirds—male and female—will help care for the babies if needed.

Bluebirds eat berries during the winter and insects during the summer. Plant dogwoods and hollies to entice them to your garden.

These colorful and endearing songbirds are a beauty to watch. By giving them a reason to come to your backyard, with the correct size nesting-box and appropriate food source, you can enjoy them all year long.