There are three species of bluebirds in the US, Western, Eastern and Mountain bluebirds. Mountain bluebirds are found in the West at higher elevations, Western Bluebirds are found west of the Great Plains and Eastern Bluebirds on the Great Plains. Bluebirds have vivid colours and a cheery song and are great favorites with bird enthusiasts. The number of bluebirds decreased drastically throughout the preceding century, being ousted from their nesting sites by sparrows and starlings.

Helping the Bluebirds

Different groups of bird watchers have instituted different means to promote the nesting and breeding of bluebirds. In Missouri in the 1950’s the inhabitants made a National Bluebird Trail with over 5000 bluebird houses. Started in 1978 The North American Bluebird Society promotes the revival of bluebirds. To aid bluebirds you can set up a Bluebird Trail by making a series of bluebird nesting boxes The perfect bluebird house has been specified by the Bluebird Society and you could put up your own or buy a commercially made bluebird house.

How to Set Up a Bluebird Trail

The best location for a Bluebird Trail is a countryside location with sparse undergrowth and dotted bushes and trees. There must be perch sites such as fences, wires and trees to permit the bluebirds to sit on while looking for food. By 2005 sightings of bluebirds in southern areas indicate that they have come back to to this area. This has shown that bluebirds have benefited from the formation of Bluebird Trails. Places fitting for a Bluebird Trail are distant locations of cemeteries, golf courses or parks as long as pesticides have never been applied. You ought to stay away from thickly forested areas with plenty of brush. Bluebird houses should be placed 150 yards apart and be between four and six feet above ground.

Attract Bluebirds to Your Backyard

You can invite bluebirds to your garden by placing mealworms (which can be bought online) or water soaked raisins on platform garden bird feeders.  Heated birdbaths will be a big attraction for them during the winter months.