Category: Bluebirds

The right way for a bluebird house to face is to be oriented away from prevailing winds. Birds typically don't have an instinctive directional preference. In this picture a male bluebird is on the lookout for his female mate who looks out of the nest hole before exiting.

The Right Bluebird House Direction – Preference and Wind Information

It is best to point your bluebird nest box entry hole in the opposite direction of prevailing winds, usually southeast. However, prevailing winds differ based on your region. Scholarly evidence also suggests birds have no preference and may excavate a hole in other directions due to sun, shade or acoustics.

It is not too late to set up a bluebird house

It’s Not Too Late to Set Up A Bluebird House

Even in late spring or early summer, it’s not too late to set up a bluebird house. Spending on the species, bluebirds have multiple broods a year between March and August. Furthermore, nest boxes give bluebirds an important roosting haven at winter time.

safe bird nest monitoring infographic - The best way to monitor a birdhouse or nest box is with a wireless security camera to minimize disturbance. Making a cell phone slot is a second good option. Physical monitoring is tolerated well by some cavity nesting species, and not so well by others. Follow best practices when monitoring your nest boxes.

The Best Ways To Monitor Your Birdhouse or Nest Box

The best way to monitor your birdhouse with next to no disturbance is with a wireless nest camera as they give you full view of the nest without needing to open the box.

bluebird predators / predators of bluebirds include raccoons, snakes, cats, squirrels, chipmunks, possums and other animals pictured in these tiles

8 Eastern Bluebird Predators and How to Protect Them

Eastern bluebird predators include raccoons, cats, squirrels, snakes, chipmunks, raptors, opossums, bears, other birds and mammals.

picture of bird eggs for article about whether bird eggs will survive in freezing temperatures

Songbird Eggs May Survive Short Periods of Freezing Weather – Here is Why

There are many systems in place that ensure the survival of bird eggs survival during short snaps of freezing weather. These systems include the mother bird’s ability to detect egg temperature with her brood patch, the ability for older embryos to produce heat, and the insulative nature of the nest.

Best stovepipe baffles for bluebirds - shows a bluebird nest box with a baffle and a bluebird next to it.

Best Baffle System for Your Birdhouse: Stovepipe Baffles

Stovepipe baffles that are at least 8″x24″ (commercially available) are the best at protecting your birdhouse. 60 inch baffles (not commercially available).

Chickadee nest in a bluebird house photo along with a picture of a chickadee and a bluebird

Chickadee Nest in Your Bluebird House –Take These Steps Immediately

If you found a chickadee nest in your bluebird house, DO NOT remove it. Instead, confirm you actually have a chickadee nest and protect with a 1 1/8-inch hole reducer and baffle. You can also add another bluebird box at least 50 feet or more away.

Bluebirds on a bluebird nest box bluebird house

Side Opening vs. Top Opening Nest Boxes?

Side Opening vs. Top Opening Bird Nest Boxes If you’re shopping for bluebird nest boxes or chickadee houses, you might wonder, which is better a top opening or a side …