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It is always a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful blue hue of a bluebird at the feeder. Depending on where you live, bluebirds can be somewhat elusive. Attracting them to your yard by offering them houses to nest in, nesting material, certain foods, and specific trees, can be challenging but very rewarding.
According to the website "Wild Birds Forever", the article entitled "Attracting Bluebirds", says that bluebirds prefer to live in open areas such as meadows and parks. They can often be seen sitting atop fence posts and in smaller trees located in open areas. "Attracting Bluebirds" says, the Eastern Bluebird prefers rural areas that are open, while the western bluebird likes sparsely planted pine forests, farm areas, and well-wooded deserts in the colder months. The Mountain Bluebird can be seen in the rural mountains during the warmer months, and in the winter they prefer open prairies and plains.
Bluebirds usually do not dine in bird feeders containing seed, according to "Attracting Bluebirds". They mainly dine on insects, but bluebirds can be attracted to suet feeders containing insect laced suet and berry suet. Also suggested is diced fruit, shelled peanuts, and berries. These can be offered from a platform feeder. Every living creature needs water to survive, and providing a bird bath can draw bluebirds. They are often seen drinking from bird baths. Remember to keep your bird bath clean and replace the water daily.
The same article suggests specific trees and shrubbery to attract bluebirds. Blueberry, elderberry, holly, hackberry, bayberry, dogwood, red cedar, and sumac are all favorites of the bluebird. You may consider planting some of these to encourage them to make your yard part of their territory.
"Attracting Bluebirds" recommends providing nesting material for bluebirds. You can do so by gathering pine needles and smooth grasses and placing these in suet containers or in natural locations such as in crevices on tree trunks. Bluebird houses can be purchased or made, and "Attracting Bluebirds" advises they should be placed four to five feet off the ground on fence posts or on single wooden posts. It also says to place these houses away from your home or any other areas where people frequently go.
After trying these methods, it may take some time to attract bluebirds to your yard. It often takes time to attract birds of any type to a new feeder. Have patience, and someday you may see the vivid hue of a bluebird in your yard.
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