Bluebird Houses

During the last 60 years, bluebird numbers have decreased 90 percent in the eastern United States. There are four reasons for the decline:

*	The widespread use of insecticides decreases food supplies.
*	Severe winters increase winter mortality.
*	Changing agricultural practices create well-trimmed orchards with no cavity trees for nest sites.
*	Exotic species competing for remaining nest sites make nesting even more difficult.

Finding suitable nest sites is perhaps the most severe problem the bluebird faces today. Allowing trees to mature and develop natural cavities takes too long. A much quicker solution is to provide man-made wooden bird houses. When bluebird houses are placed in good areas, bluebird populations increase rapidly.

Put bluebird houses up by the end of February in areas around open fields, pastures, golf courses, cemeteries, gardens and large lawns which provide excellent bluebird habitat. These areas usually provide plenty of insects to eat. Avoid areas where insecticides are used heavily for two reasons:

*	Insects, a favorite bluebird food, are reduced, and the birds have trouble finding enough to eat.
*	The insects left are usually covered with insecticide. Bluebirds may be poisoned when they eat these insects.

Place houses 4 to 6 feet above the ground and 50 to 100 yards apart. Face the houses to the south or southeast, if possible. Try to select places where trees, shrubs, utility wires or fences are within 25 to 100 feet of the houses. Bluebirds use these structures for perches when feeding. These perches are also helpful to young birds during their first flights.

If houses are located near woods and brush piles, other species of birds, such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and wrens, will use the bluebird houses. These species, like the bluebird, are welcome additions to the area and should not be discouraged from using the bird house. These birds are also helpful in controlling insect populations. It may be possible to get a bluebird to nest in the same area by placing another house about 10 to 20 feet from the one the other bird is using.


Eastern Bluebird House $27.95	Mountain Bluebird House $29.95	Western Bluebird House $29.95


Sparrow-resistant Bluebird House $27.95	Observation Bluebird House $29.95	Slant-Front Bluebird House $32.95


Backyard Bird House $29.95	Bird House with Camera Regular Price: $159.95 Sale Price: $149.95	Garden Design Bird House $89.95