Frequently Asked Questions about Bluebirding

Click on the link for an answer. Also see downloadable flyer on Bluebirding Basics.

Attracting and Learning About Bluebirds

• I'm new to bluebirding - how do I get started? Where can I learn more?
• I want to put up a nestbox - what do I need to know?
• What kind of nestbox should I put up?
• I have seen bluebirds around, but they aren't using my nestbox. How can I attract them to my yard?
• How long does it take a bird to make a nest and fledge babies?
• My bluebird laid white eggs. Is that normal?
• How do I feed bluebirds mealworms?
• Where can I buy mealworms?
• It's expensive to buy mealworms. How do I grow my own?
• What can I feed bluebirds in the wintertime?
• What kinds of plants can I put in to attract bluebirds?
• Is it okay to mount a nestbox on a tree?
• How can I get children involved/educated about cavity nesting birds?
• Why do people get so goopy over bluebirds?
• I found an egg on the ground. What should I do with it?
• What does this term mean?
• Where can I buy bluebird books videos feeders nestboxes and accessories nestbox cameras mealworms hole reducers house sparrow or starling traps birdbaths gifts for people who like bluebirds?

Protecting Nesting Birds from Problems and Predators

• What happened in my nestbox? Eggs/nestlings/adults are missing or injured, and I want to know what happened so I can prevent it in the future?
• House Sparrows attacked my bluebirds/tree swallows/chickadees etc. What can I do to prevent this in the future?
• How can I protect my nesting birds from raccoons, cats, snakes, squirrels, etc.?
• My neighbors let their cats roam. What can I do to protect bluebirds?
• The nest is wet or full of blowflies. What can I do?
• There are wasps inside the box. What do I do?
• The nestbox is full of sticks - what can I do?
• It's so hot out - how can I keep the nestbox from turning into an oven?
• It's been so cold and rainy - how do I keep the nestlings from dying from hypothermia?
• How do I keep mice out of my nestboxes?
• I have a widow/widower bluebird with eggs or nestlings. Can I do anything to help?
• Birds are crashing into my windows. How can I stop them?

Monitoring Nestboxes and Starting a Bluebird Trail

• How often should I check the nestbox?
• The parents swoop at me when I get near the box - will they hit me?
• Is it okay to pet baby birds in the nest?
• Why should I check inside the nestbox?
• What is the best book about bluebirds?
• I want to watch what is going on inside the nestbox - how can I set up a nestbox camera?
• How do I start a bluebird trail?
• How do I clean out a nestbox after the birds are done using it?
• I found an abandoned egg - can I try to incubate it?

Other Birds that Use Nestboxes

• What kind of bird made this nest/laid this egg?
• I've seen a brown bird around the nestbox - is it a House Sparrow (HOSP)?
• Tree Swallows are using all my nestboxes - what can I do to allow bluebirds to nest also?
• I found a large spotted egg in the nest - where did it come from?
• Where can I find out more about: tree swallows, titmice, chickadees, house wrens, house sparrows, flycatchers

House Sparrows

• I've seen a brown bird around the nestbox - is it a House Sparrow (HOSP)?
• What does a House Sparrow (bird, nest, eggs) look like?
• House Sparrows attacked my bluebirds/tree swallows/chickadees etc. What can I do to prevent this in the future?
• What is a sparrow spooker, where can I buy one/how can I make one, when do I put it up, can I put it up before an egg is laid?
• How can I keep House Sparrows away from my bird feeder?
• I want to trap House Sparrows - what kind of trap should I get?
• I've trapped a House Sparrow - now what do I do with it?
• My neighbors are letting House Sparrows breed in their nestboxes - what can I do?
• The local store/restaurant is letting House Sparrows breed/roost/feed at their facility - is there anything I can do to encourage them to stop?

How readily the bluebirds become our friends and neighbors when we offer them suitable nesting retreats!
- John Burroughs, The Golden Book Magazine, 1925