Tips on How to Attract an Eastern Bluebird

In this video, I'm going to run through some tips to help attract Eastern Bluebirds to your backyard feeder.
One thing to understand is that they are mainly insect eaters, except for over winter when they eat more fruit from native trees.
Providing mealworms may work. A good thing to know is that they can spot an insect from 60 feet away, so if they are flying overhead or through your yard and see some movement from live mealworms in a feeder there is a better chance they'll stop by to check it out. Once they know your yard as a food source they will likely come back.
Bluebirds will eat dried mealworms which are much easier to deal with but it may take some training to get them on board. A trick to try is by starting out with live mealworms, then after a few days of consistency, begin adding in some dried ones, upping the amount you mix in each day until it's all you are providing.
When offering them mealworms, feeders such as platform and tray are good choices that bluebirds can use easily. If there are problems with larger birds a dome feeder may help. By allowing you to lower the dome, it can be adjusted in a way that prohibits larger birds but will leave enough space for Bluebirds.
One thing with mealworms is that they don't have a lot of calcium, something that Eastern Bluebirds need while breeding and raising babies. An easy way to help since many people have this on hand is to provide crushed roasted eggshells. This will help nesting females replenish the lost calcium.
They will sometimes eat sunflower bits, it's not a big favorite of theirs though so in order to keep their attention make sure mealworms are present too. Overfall and winter, as well as early Spring, another food they will sometimes eat is suet, which can be put out on a platform in broken-up pieces.
If you are not successfully attracting them with the foods mentioned, try adding a birdbath.
Water is essential to the survival of all birds, using it to clean their pretty feathers and to keep themselves hydrated, especially on the really warm days of summer. This can be an effective way to keep Bluebirds coming, that is if you are able to keep up on giving the birdbath a quick cleaning and replacing the dirty water with fresh each day.
Native trees and shrubs that produce berries or have the insects that they like will help to draw them in. Dogwood, Junipers, Sumac, and American elderberry are some that they like but there are many others, if you are going to plant it's best to get familiar with what species they like and what ones are typical for your location.
Another way to attract them to your yard, mainly over Spring and Summer is to leave old trees if possible. Bluebirds are cavity nesters but they cannot dig out their own holes and instead rely on old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities.
Fret not though if dead old trees are not a viable option for you. Nestboxes specially designed for Bluebirds are readily used by them. Bluebird Nest Boxes can be bought at a store, online, or even build yourself. There is a ton of information online from good sources such as the Bluebird society and Cornell lab nest watch, on how to properly build and maintain these nest boxes as well as much more education.
Thanks a bunch for watching,
Happy Spring Birding.
A lot of the videos were provided by the KZbin channel:
Birds Walking Down
/ birdswalkingdown
Websites referenced
Suet Recipes
www.sialis.org/suet.htm
Birdbath Cleaning
thebirdfoodstore.com/2014/07/...
Nestbox Information
North American Bluebird Society
www.nabluebirdsociety.org/
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Nest Watch
nestwatch.org/learn/all-about...
Photos and videos from free use websites:
The individuals' names can be found on their respective photo/video
(licenses below)
Canva.com
www.canva.com/policies/free-m...
Pixabay.com
pixabay.com/service/terms/#li...
Music
Hulu Ukulele by Chris Haugen via KZbin Audio Library
Thumbnail
Photo of Bluebird portion only by Herb Ritter via canva.com/pro
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:40 Mealworms are a favorite
01:25 Types of feeders
01:43 Eggshells for calcium
02:02 Other foods they like
02:25 Homemade suet recipes
02:40 Birdbaths
03:15 Trees they like
04:05 Bluebird nestboxes
04:40 Closing thoughts
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If you have a sick or injured bird in your possession I can not help this bird in any way it is strongly advised to contact a local vet or wildlife official before any decisions are made. It is very easy to do more harm than good when handling any wildlife.
============================================
For business inquiries
please contact Jamie at [e-mail]
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#LesleytheBirdNerd #HowToAttract #EasternBluebird

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

If you liked the video please help support the channel by SHARING it with other fellow birders. I appreciate each and every one of your support and I hope you enjoyed the show! For anyone interested in official LesleytheBirdNerd merchandise these are my 2 shops www.bonfire.com/store/lesleythebirdnerd www.lesleythebirdnerd.com/ Thank you

[@larrymaynard]

I loved your vidio I will subscribe and be looking for more on Flickers red wing blackbird all New England birds I live in naples me.

[@lornabartlett2744]

Lesley, QQQ QUESTION, a female BLUEJAY, SHE COMES OFTEN IN THE AM MORNING THROUGHOUT THE DAY, TO MY OUT DOOR DECK, SQUAWKING AS TO ASK CALL ME TO GIVE PEANUTS 🥜. Is this friendship with these Bluejays birds sound familiar to you ? I DO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PEANUTS TO KEEP THE PAIR SATISFIED WITH ABOUT 12 PEANUTS DAILY. ITS 🐦 FEEDING IS A BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS IN OUR NATION CANADA 🇨🇦AS WELL AS AMERICA.

[@lindanichols7893]

After seeing bluebirds hanging around my property in the country, I put up a house. The next day, they were checking it out and this morning I saw the female going inside and the male sitting on the top. I hope they build a nest!!

[@victoriaeads6126]

That happened to us as well. It was as if they were just waiting for the box, and then when we finally put one up, they said "Finally! You figured it out!" 😂💙

[@TXetc]

Same. I’ve been throwing out seed every couple days, then got a ton of birds. So I put up a cedar house and a pair moved in within 2 days lol. Guess I’ll put a bird bath out there next. Pretty fun to watch!

[@daisydukes8252]

Please remember to clean their house when the right time comes, I guess you’d have to Google it. I think the birds can get sick if the houses aren’t clean properly, it’s likely done at a certain time of year. That should keep them happy and healthy! I’m thinking of putting up a birdbath which needs the water changed daily and scrubbed out once a week. I think I can get that done.

[@daisydukes8252]

@@TXetc i’m thinking of putting out a birdbath also. I think they need The water to be changed daily and you scrub them out once a week. I’ll have to find out if you use vinegar or what to scrub them with.

[@user-js7io7br3e]

I am from Algeria and I have a bird like this, but why does it not sing and is it suitable for breeding with canaries

[@mikedobbs3418]

I finally filmed some Eastern Bluebirds this weekend using dried mealworms. Your channel has been so inspirational to me and I just love your videos

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

That is awesome! and thank you

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd these birds are so cute 🥰😍

[@larrymaynard]

Yea I put out mealworms and they showed up in less than 15 minutes dry ones.I haven't seen them before here now I no they have always been here

[@larrymaynard]

I love your channel andi love birds all of them. Thank you Leslie and continue with more informative vidios

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd eastern bluebirds eat grasshoppers ☝️

[@bramblebear3121]

I am so blessed to have a pair of Eastern Bluebirds in one of my birdhouses.

[@raideurng2508]

Can't help but think of the Bug's Life scenes where they're terrified of the 'cute little birdy" until we see it in action. Bug eating dinosaurs.

[@invaderzim1265]

they're blue velociraptors! 🦅🐜🦗🐞

[@stevenrisso5535]

Nice little short on the Bluebird, here in South Carolina I have four boxes that are always occupied

[@thebluelunarmonkey]

I have been hosting bluebirds to nest for 14 years. The first generation were very aware of me. The 2nd generation male constantly pecked at my window despite my covering up with tint on the outside and patterned paper on the inside. Third gen (this year) has been quiet no pecking. I provide bluebirds dried mealworms during nesting season and in the winter. They are year-round in georgia. I dust mealworms in powdered calcium (reptile section in pet store) gently shaken in a ziplock bag for a good coat and protected from rain. I also grow native berry bushes (fox grape, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, beautyberry) as they will switch to berries in the late summer after brooding season has ended.

[@zeppydove2628]

Eastern blue bird nesting on my porch..lovely birds so vocal its sweet

[@lewisblack3053]

I attracted bluebirds to my property with nest boxes 5 years ago. They started returning to the same boxes every year. This past year they were here all winter and are now regulars in my feeders with dry mealworms and suet. I can't prove it, but believe the bluebirds eliminated the ticks from my yard. I have observed them hunting for insects in areas that were frequented by ticks.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

How lucky you are! I'm curious, do you know how much cold they can withstand? How cold does it get in your area? We get down to -22°F (zone 4) and I've never seen Bluebirds in the winter here, sadly.

[@MsSasha4444]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane I have Bluebirds in Brunswick, Maine; zone 5; and feed them mealworms and suet. I added 4 Bluebird houses this winter.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@MsSasha4444 Wow, that's great! Thanks for the information! I wonder what keeps them around? We have 2 nestboxes and suet feeders available all winter. I'm in the planning stages of adding more berry plants to my yard like Staghorn Sumac. I already have elderberries, junipers, and dogwoods, but some of them are younger plants still. We have a huge, old growth forest going out two sides of our property too... hundreds of acres. The only thing I can think of that we are missing in the winter is a water source, which of course is important, but there is a pond not too far away out in the forest. I might try one of those small, heated birdbaths, but we do get lots of snow and ice here, too. Another bird I've never seen in the winter here is Robins, but I've heard of them being downstate. I just think it gets too bitterly cold and windy here and stays that way for too long of a stretch. I don't blame them for leaving... if I had wings, I might head south too! 😆

[@invaderzim1265]

well guess they're fattening up.😂

[@daisydukes8252]

That sounds great, I hope you’re right about the bluebirds eliminating ticks from your property because we could certainly use that. I saw the birds out there today so I think I will do things to attract them and maybe I won’t have as many ticks in my yard this year! Thanks for the information!

[@richardstarkey2224]

One of my favorite birds!

[@victoriaeads6126]

We have SO many Eastern bluebird pairs that live near us. We have a bluebird box that is almost constantly occupied by them or house sparrows all through nesting and even as a winter roost. We also have peafowl, so the blue birds get to be super fancy and use peacock feathers in their nesting 😂😍

[@madmacabre]

I have a blue bird constantly attacking my window for the last week lmao

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Northern cardinals are known for this too. Silly birds

[@nicksweeney5176]

Obviously, your stupid window's the problem; get a hammer and fix 'em. Why make everybody else do your work? 🔨🐦

[@kennethreffitt2051]

I did too that's why I'm here lol this guy ain't flying any time soon

[@videosforcatts]

Thank you for the tips! I have been hoping a western bluebird would stop by my feeders.

[@cattailer1077]

Thanks, Lesley, another great video!🥰

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

I used to have a robin friend that I'd feed dried mealworms to. I learned that if I were to leave his treats and leave the yard, then starlings would eat the mealworms. So if you have a starling problem, you can make a caged feeder that will only allow the smaller bluebirds inside, and not the starlings; I've seen that done here on KZbin in a few different ways. I wish I could have bluebirds, but my area is too urban for them, but I still get dozens of other native species though.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Great tip about the feeder! If I'm digging around the yard and come across a grub, I put it over by where the Robins are nesting and the momma grabs them right up! Such funny birds! My father-in-law used to give Robin's nesting in his yard his leftover worms from fishing! 😀

[@jtmonsman]

I’ve been outdoors as much as possible for 40 years. My wife bought an esthetically pleasing brid feeder with nice stained glass panels. A squirrel promptly destroyed the glass. I bought a replacement that was much more durable, though admittedly not as pretty. She saw a few birds and thought it was nice, but squirrels were eating a majority of the seed mix. So I built a squirrel feeder to keep them busy. Which works pretty well. Anyways, I ended up with five feeders of different types and a blue bird was spotted two days ago! No meal worms, but I haven’t seen him since. Hoping I can get him and his friends here soon, I’m ordering a blue bird feeder and worms after seeing this video!!!!!

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

@@jtmonsman Sorry to read that your very pretty feeder was damaged. I had a gasebo type feeder get damaged by a squirrel. Since then, I implemented squirrel baffles where ever they may be needed. Sometimes keeping squirrels away can be tricky. There are specs to follow: squirrel can jump like 4 feet high, leap horizontally like 6-8 feet, and willing to jump down from 14 feet if they really want to if they can get a good landing (I saw one do it). I use 2 liter soda bottles for squirrel baffles. They can't jump over or up a 2 liter soda bottle. I've had the same soda bottles from 6-8 years ago. Squirrels give backyard birding a challenge (that can be possibly a fun challenge).

[@laurie8238]

This is my first season with resident eastren bluebirds, I'm so excited to watch them through their progress. I've feed mealworms for years,but the've never touched it or suet.

[@atheistsince1210]

OMG Geez Leslie these divine creature are a bucket list item I wouldn’t know what to do I’d be so thrilled and I’m blessed with a delightful pair of robins who I’m sure would be more than happy to help themselves to mealworms. AND- the ever adaptable European import Starling ( Mozart bought one in a Vienna petstore and had it as a pet for some time I am NOT KIDDING 😂) would love them their key to success is thier diet they eat FRIED CHICKEN and Chick fil A waffle fries and pick human garbage bags 😂 the poor songbirds can only eat insects or seeds but not both ? 🌎🐥🦉

[@aacallison1535]

There have always been eastern bluebirds in my neighborhood. Others have put up nest boxes for them. I put up a box 3 years ago. Last year they raised 3 chicks. This year there are 4, possibly 5 eggs.

[@VitalityMassage]

I love the combo color of tanish brown chests and sky blue on their backs! Beautiful.

[@kittenkorleone2918]

I would say the breasts are orange.

[@donnajohnson3334]

They really like a cleared area with a perch. One chose a piece of old gas line that was left sticking up (Not a working line). It perched on the very tip repeatedly. Go snatch an insect, return. Repeat. Georgeous !.

[@gettingold59]

Looking forward to building my own nesting box so I will wait for your guidance. You two have a good Easter and upcoming week

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Happy Easter 🐦❤

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

What an adorable bird. My favorite color is blue.

[@barryshafer]

I have multiple Bluebirds at my Suet feeder and my Birdbath. Every day. ❤

[@briarrose]

I have a pair that visit every day, all day long. They loooove the hot suet that I put out. They are very territorial. The male consistency fights his reflection in my kitchen and bedroom window. He usually lands on my hummingbird feeder which is suction cupped to my window, drinks from the ant moat, starts fighting the window, then lands on the water dish that’s close by the hummingbird feeder. A real joker! 😛 I have also seen them nest in my neighbors siding. Our homes are made of cedar. We always have to check to make sure no one’s drilling holes in the sides of houses.

[@maria2400]

They are incredibly beautiful birds.

[@Lbsmith94]

I have chickens who are also super fond of mealworms.. I’ve caught nearly a dozen bluebirds on my deck eating from the chickens mealworms plate haha I love them so much!

[@lorreprentiss3604]

I saw my first ever blue bird today. So cool.

[@EDROMAXIMUS]

Thanks for the informative video! I built a nesting box in my back yard two years ago, and had a pair nest there within a few days. Unfortunately they were driven away by the house sparrows. This year I bought a small bluebird nesting box and modified it to be slightly larger as well as put on an extended roof for rain protection. I also created an extension hole for the entrance to keep out some predator birds. I mounted it on our upstairs balcony rail so we could monitor it. Within two day a pair started to occupy it. The female quickly began on the nest and within a week the nest was built and shortly there after she began to lay eggs. She laid five over the next few days. On the hand rail I poured out some dried mealworms and within a day the male (we call him Beau) began to eat them. I dehydrated some seedless grapes to make raisins, and added those to the mealworms as well as some small sunflower kernels. The female (we call her Bonnie) liked the raisins, the kernels and the dried mealworms as well. They were never alarmed as I gently checked the nest and eggs occasionally. Once the first hatchlings came, I added live mealworms to the mix. Those were the most popular and of course they gobbled them up quickly as I only added 10 to 15 twice a day. Over time both Bonnie and Beau would come over and watch within a few feet of me as I put out the feed, while whistling to call them, and then eventually just calling them by name. Some mornings when I open the curtains to the balcony, one or both would be sitting there waiting for the feed. They would perch nearby or hover very close as they watched me put out some feed, talking to them like a bluebird whisperer. They fed the babies all the live mealworms nonstop until they were all gone. Later they would feed with all kinds of insects they caught as well as some small worms or grubs. Though the box is 15 feet above ground they seem to love it and feel saver there than down in the yard on the 5 foot high post. I have yet to see any other birds on the balcony or box. That may be because Beau is always nearby protecting the area and scaring away many birds in the backyard, even larger birds that occasionally show up such as Robins and occasional Starlings even! I'm very excited to seen the fledglings and hope to have five new bluebirds in the area, and hope they will want to return and nest nearby also.

[@paulabrown5243]

I love Eastern Bluebirds. We used to have many here in Southeastern Alabama when i was growing up. See some here and there now in my area.

[@dzdncnfzd3]

Blue birds and black capped chickadees are my absolute favorite 😍

[@dsc4178]

Thank you for the video, our yard Isn't conducive to these birds, but where I grew up was.

[@donpowlen]

Thanks Lesley!! I rarely see Bluebirds but have seen them near a park I live by.

[@elizabethg.8058]

I put out suet and voila there they were! We have lots of woodpecker holes in the barn and old trees next to a large watery grassland. I was very excited to see them. Thanks for your video!

[@malolm]

I saw an Eastern Bluebird a few days ago, he was sitting on a nest box a great sign of spring, Great Video Lesley :)

[@winnhill3736]

They do love perching on top pf the house

[@troyclayton]

The only birds that land outside my window sill and watch me are blue birds. I know everyone says it's their reflection (and I see this behavior when they hang out on my car) but they will turn their head to watch me when I walk across the room. Or, maybe it's the same one with this behavior all those times (last 4 years). I don't have your eye for birds! Thanks for the video!

[@Aculeus20]

I was lucky and had Eastern Bluebirds visiting my feeder and taking a few sunflower seeds a day. They'd grab a seed and fly off. I added some dried mealworms and seem to love them.

[@angellas.1314]

I am very lucky then. They come to my front yard here in Connecticut! I sometimes see 4-5 at a time. I love seeing them. Their blue color is very striking! I guess I’ll be buying some mealworms now. 😆

[@nancytipping7264]

I put up a Gilbertson nestbox and the next day, 2 bluebirds were checking it out. They have now settled in. I have other bluebird nestboxes that they never came to. In fact, I didn't even know there were bluebirds nearby. The Gilbertson box is a cylinder that looks like a birch tree trunk. I am sold on this nest box!!! I got it on Amazon and it is made by an Amish family and recommended by the Bluebird Society.

[@wjm9604]

I’ve been making my own 6” (not 4” ...too small) Gilbertson pvc style bluebird houses and one of them with a camera recorded a female bluebird catching a trespassing house sparrow. She jumped in there and started wrestling the ho-sp for 6 1/2 minutes. The ho-sp left but the bluebird was dazed. She’s fine now. So, I made some repeating sparrow traps and caught five house sparrows. No sign of ho-sps for the past few days. Just glad the bluebirds may be able to nest in peace now.

[@ladymariposa1720]

Wow. Great to hear that the bluebird is okay. We've had a chickadee trespass twice, but he got scared off pretty easily. I'm left with the impression that good nesting cavities are in high demand. We are debating about putting up another house with a chickadee sized hole.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Wow, glad to hear you took action to help your Bluebirds! I'm glad the female made it out alive... so many don't. 😥

[@deepfriedewoks7657]

So happy to see this video! Bluebirds have been a personal favorite for a while now. It kills me because they aren't very common in my part of New York so I don't get to see them often, even when I go searching for them.

[@savannahwalters1760]

I have blue bird building their second nest of the year in my yard :) the first broad had 5 babies and they all did great! I named them blueberry and bluebell since we see them so often I wanted to give them a name.

[@dt8ustotten285]

sOOOO excited to report that after 2 years of spotting these birds that I got a mating pair to nest in the box I put up for them. I opened up a large area in my back yard last year and hung the box as instructed. The birds gathered up pine needles across from the box and moved in. I have an organic garden with TONS of real worms nearby, have a small pond but a water feature near their box. Yes I have seen them eat my worms, taste the seed assortment and come and eat from the suet cakes. I feel very fortunate. Their songs in my yard are truly unique!

[@mattpauletti7018]

I see many of these Eastern Bluebirds in Pensacola FL

[@deejustdee4752]

I just recently, like as of this weekend, had the first Bluebirds, that I have sighted. I am Sooooo happy.

[@fireflydreams1791]

I tried for years to lure bluebirds to my property. We have Dogwood trees, Serviceberry, Junipers, and Elderberry and would see them in Winter a lot and on occasion at the birdbath but they would leave and not stay in our yard. I researched ideas online and found what has helped them stay and nest here year round (Zone 7). I put an empty cleaned tuna can (with sides carefully sanded to ensure no cuts) on our back deck by screwing the can to the top of a post. I would put the computer speaker in the window and point it out towards the can and play bluebird calls on a loop. I placed about a dozen live mealworms in the can at 10AM and at 2PM every day for about a week. I saw others posting not to be discouraged because if they were near they would eventually find the worms and the day they did I was jumping up and down with excitement watching them out the window. I kept that schedule up without the calls and they still came. After a few weeks of this I could open the back sliding doors and look up into the Dogwood to see them just hanging around waiting. The pair stayed for weeks so we put up 2 nesting boxes on our 5 acres. We now have 7 boxes scattered all over our property and monitor them every year. It was such a joy to get that first pair to stay and now to have so many seen on a daily basis just makes my heart happy. Hubby tells me I will have to get another part time job to keep them in houses and feed but I don't mind cutting back on other non essentials to have these beauties in our life.

[@DiamondCutter423]

Cute cute and CUTE!

[@mmps18]

I love bluebirds so much! What a blessing to see them

[@alittleheavenonearth]

❤

[@cindypowers4993]

In my experience, bluebirds have been elusive to attract, but with your video, it's helped me understand why, and what I could possibly do to attract them. I do agree that birdbaths are like magnets for not only birds, but insects too,(like bees & butterflies). I loved learning more about bluebirds here, thanks!!🐦💙

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

When all else fails put out the bird bath 😄🐦 some birds are just more difficult than others but this darling is so worth trying for. ❤ I hope you can them

[@cindypowers4993]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd Yes, they are worth the try, thank you Lesley!✌️💚

[@annesweeney5552]

Bluebirds of happiness I use suet but I also use meal worms .but I love seeing that domed feeder . I think I’ll look into buying that..

[@kurtaaron9478]

My parents always had at least one pair of bluebirds every season in MA. I believe it was because they purchased nesting boxes specifically designed for bluebirds and how and where they placed them. They are one of my favorite birds to watch. I had no idea that they liked mealworms. Thanks for this video Lesley ❤ 🐦

[@penny_the_wiser413]

That's cool. I'm gonna tell my sister about the eggshells. She lives in a great place to attract blue birds. Plus she has chickens for laying. Plenty of eggs.

[@wildwonderfulwildlife5920]

Bluebirds are my favorite,, so pretty 😃

[@winnhill3736]

Thank you so much.

[@Salmiyaguy1]

I have never seen one. They are a mythological creature to me.

[@leahcw78]

We have an active bluebird nest in our western NC yard right now. I love hearing their cheerful twittering calls. I've been able to attract bluebirds to my feeders year round with homemade peanut butter suet and sunflower chips.

[@russelder9743]

Lesley ---we have visiting Bluebirds that come and go...they have no interest in my bird feeders. I put up special houses but no luck....they are such a cool bird ....I will try meal worms and see what happens...as always you are a breath of fresh air in a crazy world...thanks and God Bless you

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Much luck to you Russ. I hope you attract them. Take care friend ❤🐦

[@cullenhinshaw3143]

I live in North Texas and started watching bluebirds about 5 years ago. I build my own boxes and keep them inside my 1 acre yard so I can protect them from house sparrows and starlings. Last year was my best year I had 16 baby bluebirds born in my boxes.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

@@cullenhinshaw3143 wow! That's wonderful 🐦

[@russelder9743]

@@cullenhinshaw3143 that is so cool...babies....wow

[@bobgalida5713]

Dearest Lesley!!! I’m about to watch 60 Minutes’ segment, “Birds Aren’t Real” and I couldn’t help think of you IMMEDIATELY!! I have no idea yet of the content of this piece….. but it can’t possibly be good!

[@bobgalida5713]

OMG!!! I’m about 45 seconds into this silliness and I will recant the above concerns!! LOL!!! The fact is, none of it is surprising in the current “climate” of our world.

[@Lt_Tragg]

Thanks for posting. "live mealworms"! Who'd thunk!? We're in Shenandoah Valley VA and on 3 acres mostly wild flowers surrounded by corn, soy, and wheat the better part of the year It was challenging to be a good Bluebird landlord when we started several years ago. Our Bluebirds never could manage to get one of our 11 nest boxes established for themselves what w/the English House Sparrows marauding them and competition with the annual flock of Tree Swallows that use our property for nursery. Last year I started putting my excellent rifle marksmanship to work and dispatched several HOSP straightaway in March. Once the sparrows were gone, suddenly the Bluebirds were cohabitating with the swallows much better. This year I chased off the sparrows early on and our Bluebirds have laid 5 eggs already in the same box they used last season (it wasn't until June last year they 1st laid eggs). We're hopeful to have 2 pairs nesting next year. I have to work on the nesting box placements a bit. I think getting the dang house sparrows under control is one of the best things you can do to help Bluebirds thrive. If shooting isn't practical or desirable, there are traps that can be set but I've had inconsistent success with those. But for most situations and folks it's probably the only way.

[@markheatherington8367]

Wonderful and informative video Lesley! Blue Birds, adorable yes, beautiful yes, gentle? Not when defending their nest against an Acorn Woodpecker :))

[@nationaljones9574]

I love your videos!... I love birds too!...Greetings from central Ontario.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

🙂 thank you. Birds are awesome 🐦

[@bea-ftloa1142]

Adorable birds! Thanks for the tips!

[@didisinclair3605]

A friend of mine made a bluebird house for me. With all the Carolina wrens nearby, I never thought a bluebird couple would come to the house, so I put it on the side of my shed. (I know that bluebirds want a free standing house) I was surprised and delighted to have bluebirds come over the past several years. They are nesting now. I have a feeder of mealworms not far from the house and mama bluebird feeds with gusto each morning!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

That is great about it working out 🐦

[@Tinaleann_]

Made a birdhouse out of a gourd and hung it on a tree outside of our home. Guess which bird is making a nest there? :) it’s so cute to see the female go in the birdhouse then the male comes to check on her and the nest.

[@nicksweeney5176]

A Barberry shrubbery is my own personal #1 draw of the earliest Bluebirds of the season. They descend to devour the frost-softened fruits in the angry protection of those tangled boughs. Then they hit the Staghorn Sumac, for some variety; by this time, I've gotten their Bluebird Treats in place and my annual Bluebird harvest is complete.👍🏻👍🏻

[@mantis2938]

Barberry is a nonnative invasive species. American Holly is a better choice and Winterberry.

[@nicksweeney5176]

@@mantis2938 Well then, all YOU gotta do is to come by, level it, then uproot it from the hillside. After you done that, you can feel good for your deed and I'll happily mist you down with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, to cool and soothe your, um, trophies🏆.

[@mantis2938]

@@nicksweeney5176 You’re allowing a non-native invasive to spread and reduce biodiversity of plant life. It’s not a good idea suggesting it’s use. Barberry is easy to remove. Just takes a shovel.

[@nicksweeney5176]

@@mantis2938 Oh, so I seeee...👀 Now, if I understand what you're saying, you're telling me that adding one plant is actually subtracting many other plants. Gotcha!😉👍🏻 As to your prodigious-&-inspirational prowess with shovels: Please do feel invited to stop by (bring your spade) and set to.

[@mantis2938]

@@nicksweeney5176 Japanese barberry has a high germination rate and almost every berry a bird takes away will become a new shrub and it will spread and outcompete with the native shrubs till there’s nothing but barberry in the shrub layer and that lessens biodiversity because no native bugs have coevolved to feed on barberry foliage.

[@nop1041]

Nice and informative video! Awesome work!! Happy birbs

[@tinamadden25]

Love the blue bird 🐦 💙, was looking for information on the indigo bunting .

[@ladymariposa1720]

We put up a nest box this year and we have bluebirds in it... and a camera. There are no eggs yet, but yesterday and today the female was sitting on the nest and the male brought her food.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Awesome. ❤🐦

[@dawnwesterbeck346]

Thank you so much for this video I am definitely going to try this! I actually have the perfect property with lots of woodpecker holes.

[@FioreCiliegia]

We had a pair show up at random one summer a few years ago. Next year we saw them in spring and got a couple nest boxes and meal worms. The year after there was a second male ( the pairs son). After that there were 5. The original pair, their son and his mate and an additional female. A pair nested in one box that year. They came back to the nest box that year and double clutched. First a batch of 4 who all fledged, and then a clutches of 5 again all healthy. My parents love them and our resident pair of Carolina wrens because our inch worm problem has virtually disappeared since they showed up. They also love the big grubs i excavated last summer from a dying tree i was getting compost from. June bug larva are huge and they paid attention to gardening day after the first time i found them!

[@coldspring624]

Sumac is an often overlooked tree for wild life and is actually a very pleasing garden addition. Over the years I have watched many types of birds feed on it. As for Bluebird box....the Peterson has always shined on my string of box's.

[@nicksweeney5176]

Sumac's not for everyone, friend. It's as persistently spreading, shading & invading as Bamboo, but more is much slower about it. Sumac's for people with either lotsa no-give-a-damn, or, with some space to surrender.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I was just researching sumacs last night and am thinking about getting a few for the bluebirds! They are such a stunning red in the fall, too!

[@IrishPizzaMan]

Thanks again! Always learning something new.

[@lynnriggsreese8690]

Just discovered your channel today! Love it! I just started feeding and watching birds in my yard a year ago. I had had Carolina wrens nest in hanging plants and a wreath on the door and other planters for years, but soon after starting this hobby I started noticing chickadees, tufted titmouses, cardinals, and others. I mostly wanted to attract hummingbirds at the beginning after visiting my college roommate in VA and being mesmerized by the hordes she attracted with her feeders, and soon I had regulars. Then I set my sights on bluebirds and Baltimore orioles. Much to my delight, I successfully attracted at least one Baltimore oriole couple during their winter migration through Charleston. I had put up one bluebird house late last summer and added another early this spring. Chickadees took over one, but not long after, I saw a bluebird couple more often. The day the chickadees fledged, I discovered 2 bluebird eggs in the other house! Now there are 5 that should be hatching any day! I watch for the mom to be taking a break at her favorite small swinging feeder and then check the nest. So much fun to be retired and have time for this!

[@BigBuckGetter]

I ring a small dinner bell when I put mealworms in the feeder. They are on the feeder before I can get in the house!!

[@Ovenbirder]

Great suggestions for using live and dried mealworms. I’ll have to try that. Thanks!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Hey, no problem. Let me know how it goes for you! It seems to be a hit and miss for some people, since Bluebirds really prefer fresh mealworms especially in regards to feeding their babies.

[@kevinsb70]

We have dozens of bluebirds here ( our state bird) and in the spring and summer they will eat suit of any kind. I also have a goldfish pond and waterfall with 15 foot creek and a flock will land from time to time of around 20 or 30. I'm sure they are all the descendents of the ones in our bluebirds boxes over the last 2 decades.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Oh my gosh all those bluebirds 🥰🐦 what a nice set up you have going.

[@cindypowers4993]

Wow!! That is amazing!!🐦✌️

[@kevinsb70]

@@cindypowers4993 it really is. They are my favorite bird and my moms favorite as well. They are so beautiful and I love their song. We will be moving to the Carolinas soon and I will miss our flock.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Wow! What a beautiful site that must be!

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd what cute 🥰birds

[@MsSasha4444]

I live in Brunswick, Maine; zone 5; and have Bluebirds all year. I feed them sunflower seeds and suet.

[@amyjordan7882]

I haven't done anything in particular per say to attract Bluebirds other than my regular feeders which attract countless types of birds. But for the 6 years I've lived here I've seen year after year Bluebird couples that are in my yard, sitting on the wire connecting to my house and sometimes on the corner of my house watching me as I sit outside. I live out in the country with wide open spaces. They do come quite close IMO as they seem to be standoffish more than other birds. I also think that there may be more than one couple. Possibly their offspring? I watched them as they sit on the wire and then sweep out into the air to catch a bug and then fly back and perch. They're so beautiful as they sit next to each other and sing. I came to this channel to maybe find out more about putting out nesting boxes. My only concern is me putting them in danger with a nesting box because there are so many starlings that live nearby and they are absolutely ruthless in killing adult birds and their babies and then taking over the nest. I love animals but they are the worst creatures on the planet. I've never seen a more invasive species of bird in my life. But I just love the bluebirds. They're just the most darling little bird and I truly enjoy having them in my life. 💙🐦

[@APV878]

Darling little Bluebirds! We had a pair nest in my parent's backyard with a nestbox my dad made for about 2-3 seasons. One of the years the male would sit on the ledge of the window next to the dining table and tap on the glass incessantly. We never figured out why (although guess it was demanding us put out mealworms). It was almost like clockwork during our dinner time. Unfortunately a pair of House Sparrows took over the other nestbox we tried to put up, and, the last year they raided the bluebird's box and destroyed the nest, so no more boxes were put up after that.

[@EricTheCat]

I saw my first bluebird of the season yesterday. I get a lot of them over the summer. I have found that they like places that they can perch and hunt from. Things like fence posts, old mullein stocks. Just something to get them above the ground where they can hunt insects from seems to keep them coming here.

[@Odonanmarg]

I’ve never even SEEN a bluebird.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Thanks for this and all your video content

[@csvscs]

I feel like if you're going to endorse dried mealworms into your feeding habits, you should also make it like a ratio of 1/3 live worms to 2/3 dried worms

[@csvscs]

I've raised two to 3 generations of Eastern bluebirds in Charleston, South Carolina and I can attest that they despise dried mealworms when they're given the option of live mealworms

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you for the helpful tip. It is good to know what works for others.

[@nicksweeney5176]

Ya wanna really turn 'em on and watch 'em go all cray-cray, like Blue Velociraptors? Offer up (gut-loaded) live Crickets.🦗🦗🦗

[@invaderzim1265]

@@nicksweeney5176 ooooo I didnt know bluebirds eat crickets??!!🤯🤯

[@nicksweeney5176]

@@invaderzim1265 Oh, but the very, verrrry do!!😁👍🏻 🦗 👀🐦💭☠💭 Crickets are Hella more enticingly twitchy-'n-jumpy; Crickets are far more easily digestible; Crickets are much easier to gutload with more varied feeds; Crickets will never morph into Beetles which infest your Flour, Bisquick, Breakfast Cereal, et cetera with eggs, shells & maggots. Meal Worms will.🥴🤢🤮 There are many advantages to Crickets, over Meal Worms. Just be sure to line your Cricket-offering bowl with a strip of slick, plastic box tape. This will prevent your delightful Crickets from climbing out of their bowl. If you've any Q's regarding Crickets, please feel invited to ask me.😉

[@MichellesPuppyCam]

A video made just in time 😃

[@rvnmedic1968]

I have five Bluebird boxes in our yard. Some early arrivals got here a couple of weeks ago and we've had snow since then. We usually have some Swallows that take up a box and one or two Bluebirds. Also put up a Wren/Chickadee box recently. I always watch your vids for tips and info. Cheers, Bob (NE of Syracuse, NY)

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

It is great that you have different nest boxes going. Thanks for watching the videos. 🐦

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Just a warning for you...I made the mistake of putting up a Wren house and they put holes in my Bluebird's eggs. I know for sure it was a Wren because I saw him go into their nestbox. A lot of people say not to put up a Wren house because soon all you will have are wrens and I believe it. They will keep coming back to the same place, year after year, too... and they make a lot of babies that will need nestboxes some day... I've also read that because people are putting out so many decorative bird houses with small holes, the Wrens have an unfair advantage and are gaining in population over the other cavity nesters. And of course they are more aggressive than a chickadee, so they are making a negative affect on them, sadly.

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Thanks, good to know. I bought it primarily because it mentioned it was suitable for chickadees and wrens. We have a lot of chickadees and was hoping they would start a nest.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@rvnmedic1968 Yeah, I didn't really word that right... what I meant to say was, I put up a second *Bluebird* nestbox, hoping for more Bluebirds to come and nest (wasn't intentionally trying to get House Wrens), but Wrens moved in instead and put holes in my Bluebird's eggs. I would've been totally happy if a Chickadee pair had moved into that nestbox, because we have lots of them too and they're one of my favorite birds. I only had that second nestbox in the front yard up for one summer, but since the Wrens nested in it ONCE, they come back every year and last year they ran off the back yard Bluebirds by putting holes in THEIR eggs. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're trying to attract/help Chickadees and it comes down to a Chickadee and a Wren wanting the same nestbox, the Wren is going to win and that is not going to be good for what sounds like a nice thing you have going. Certain birds are very aggressive, especially when it comes breeding time, and Wrens are definitely one of them. It's strange, and sad, how Mother Nature rewards aggression. We never had Wrens before I put that second front yard nestbox up, and I SO regret doing it. I just wanted to tell you my experience as one of many who wished they had never (wittingly or unwittingly) attracted Wrens to their yards. Good luck with everything, and happy birding! 😀

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane :)

[@mikebuleti8548]

So beautiful

[@debramoore1428]

Lots of open area around my house, a spread out rural community in the upper Ohio Valley, WV. I see these guys divebombing bugs on the ground from tree perches. If you put up nest boxes, they don't want other boxes within sight. Territories, you know. Love thay blue flash.

[@Grand_History]

Got my mom a bluebird house for Christmas, will have to use this to get them to use it

[@randyrejer4219]

I feed berry flavored suet. Balls and dried meal worms. Good feed with berries in it. They are spoiled rotten.

[@mediamannaman]

I live just north of Austin, Texas. Just saw a pair of these cuties yesterday on a walk through the neighborhood. I haven’t really seen them before (or haven’t noticed them since I only put out seed in my yard), so it was an exciting moment. I yelled to my wife, which scared them, but they only flew about 40 yards down the road and let me get close again to say hello.

[@manondesrochers5729]

Thank you very much for this. We have bluebird here but I wanted to give them worn meal especially in the fall before they leave south.

[@Miguel195211]

They love my long fencing.

[@keefry]

They are such sweet little dorks and I cry whenever they do the wing wave. It's too dang cute!!!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Yes! The wing waving gets me everytime I see it 😄🐦

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd the male Eastern bluebird wings are beautiful 🥰

[@johnlord8337]

If you have (barn, cliff, tree, etc) swallows in the area - make sure that you post a double-header of pole nests. The higher 8-12 ft bird box will work for the swallows, while the lower 4-6 ft nest box will be taken by the bluebird. If not, then the swallows will fight over the nest box - with the bluebirds usually leaving the area. Or English sparrows will claim the nest box very early - if need be give physical "confontation" to the sparrows attempting to nest (de-nesting) - keeping the box open for bluebird occupancy. If properly designed, both species will cohabit the area, and no fights will happen over prey. Swallows will deal with the air-based mosquitoes, flies, horse flies, gnats, moths (butterflies) - while the bluebirds will work on the ground- and grass-based spiders, worms, bugs, and crawlie critters.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you, John. 👍❤🐦

[@nicksweeney5176]

Very astute and thoughtful.👍🏻👍🏻

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Yes, and make sure the pole has a squirrel guard to keep predators out... 4 ft is pretty low to the ground... I would worry about snakes, cats and raccoons too.

[@nicksweeney5176]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Guard

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@nicksweeney5176 Haha, thanks, I fixed it!

[@coolroy4300]

The biggest times when bluebirds need mealworms is in the winter and when the babies are being hatched and especially when the babies are ready to eat them .That's when I make sure to have plenty of doctored up mealworms for them with added spring water and powdered bird vitamins soaking in small bowls .They love it. It's very comical watching the bluebirds try to carry as many mealworms as possible in their mouths at one time to feed the mother and the babies.

[@whitepumpkin1]

I had bluebirds by putting up houses. When babies fledged, they would all sit on the Oriol feeder & drink.

[@gymeni]

Hi, Lesley, love your channel! I sure wish I had you around here right now because I have a male bluebird who has been acting very strangely for weeks. I think he is grieving or mourning the loss of a mate. I witnessed his flirtations with a female bluebird that he brought to show the birdhouse to and I thought they had made a deal. Since that day I’ve only seen him and he flies and lands on top of the house, hops around and talks the entire time. He also ducks in and out of the house, all while excitedly talking. This goes on for several minutes and then he will leave. He repeats this behavior several times a day that I have seen. Oh! The bluebird house currently contains an inactive chickadee nest, as they beat the bluebirds to it this spring. I have looked into the house and don’t see anything strange going on but, then again, you know how deep chickadee nests are and I can’t see down inside of it. Might my hunch about the loss of a mate be possible, though?

[@daniellevy892]

Thanks for sharing Lesley!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you for the kind donation. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@garypellerin5576]

Third year with a blue bird box. First year I think we lost either eggs or newly hatched birds to a snake. Made wire guards around the pole and entrance. They don't feed off dry meal worms but I noticed they get very active after mowing the lawn. They sit on the telephone line and dive for bugs all day. I mow once a week to keep the grass short and bugs more visible from above, I get two nestings each year.

[@ladymariposa1720]

This is our first year with bluebirds in a nestbox. There are others in a tree cavity. May I ask what sort of guard you have around the pole?

[@garypellerin5576]

@@ladymariposa1720 I used a 1/4" mesh wire screen. I have a video posted on my youtube channel. Just type my name as one word in the search box. It does limit how much you can open the swinging door but once the birds have nested I don't bother them. At the end of the season I take the guard off and clean out the box and store it for next year.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I've noticed after we mow, all the birds that eat bugs come and feast, too! I've read that putting sharp, crushed lava rocks around the base of the pole you have your Bluebird box on helps deter snakes, too, but I haven't tried it as we don't seem to have much of a problem with snakes where we live.

[@dennisjennings5459]

Thank you for the video. Blue birds are one of my favorites. I have a pair sitting on eggs now and a pair of chickad

[@litigioussociety4249]

I bought a bluebird box this spring. A couple finally moved in two or or three weeks ago and eggs showed up this week in there. I had thought I wasn't going to get them this spring, because it was so late, but I'm guessing the snow we had in March delayed some of the birds. I have a small feeder with mealworm mix and a birdbath about thirty feet away from the box. I also have a larger feeder with nut and berry mix in another location, which helps to keep down the number of birds at the mealworm feeder. My birdbath is made with a terracotta dish that isn't attached to the base. That makes it easy to take it off. I clean it at night about once a week, and replace the water whenever it dries out. There are several DIY birdbath options, which is going to be easier to deal with than a large, heavy fixed bath. One other thing, I had boxelder bugs all over the pole for the bluebird box earlier in spring. I would recommend to anyone with a metal stand to spray the base with pesticide in early spring, which is what I did after they showed up to prevent them or other insects in the first place. I saw a bluebird go near the box at that time, and I suspect the bugs turned them away.

[@joro63]

I had some Blue Birds at my suet feeder this winter. It was a pleasant surprise as I thought they were almost extinct.

[@1DrBar]

excellent as always. Thanks.