Some Ways to Help the Bluebirds
There are three species of bluebirds in the US, Eastern, Western and Mountain bluebirds. Mountain bluebirds are found at higher elevations in the West, Western Bluebirds are found west of the Great Plains and Eastern Bluebirds on the Great Plains. Bluebirds have bright colours and a cheery song and are great favorites with lovers of wild birds. The number of bluebirds drastically decreased during the preceding 100 years, being ousted from their favorite nesting sites by sparrows and starlings.
Helping the Bluebirds
Different clubs of bird enthusiasts have begun a variety of means to encourage the nesting and reproduction of bluebirds. In Missouri in the 1950’s the people made a National Bluebird Trail with more than 5000 bluebird boxes. Founded in 1978 The North American Bluebird Society furthers the recovery of bluebirds. To assist bluebirds you can set up a Bluebird Trail by erecting a succession of bluebird nesting boxes The ideal bluebird house has been specified by the Bluebird Society and you could build your own or purchase a ready made bluebird box.
How to Set Up a Bluebird Trail
The best position for a Bluebird Trail is a countryside area with thin ground cover and dotted trees or bushes. There should be perch sites such as wires, tree branches or fences to permit the bluebirds to alight on while looking for food. Sightings of bluebirds in southern states have shown that they have returned to this region. This has been attributed to the establishment of Bluebird Trails. Areas fitting for a Bluebird Trail are distant locations of golf courses, parks and cemeteries where pesticides have not been applied. You ought to avoid heavily wooded areas with plenty of brush. Bluebird houses ought to be sited 200 yards apart and be between four and six feet above ground.
Attract Bluebirds to Your Garden
You can invite bluebirds to your backyard by placing darkling beetle grubs (available to buy online) or water soaked raisins on platform garden bird feeders. Heated birdbaths will be a big attraction for them in the winter.
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