This is our first year to host the bluebirds. I think it is because we've trimmed out the pine trees and there is a bit more open space. I'm also thinking the nesting pair of bluebirds might be very young, and nest sites are at a premium. The morning they arrived looking for a nestbox, I had a fake box hanging on the yew stump (I cut things tall to use not short to get in my way) and they tried very diligently to enter the hole and could not. That's when I called my friend, who has a big property right on the river, and asked for help with any box she might provide. Sure enough, she had two new boxes about to go up, and she brought one over right away. Within an hour or two, I had it up (a little clumsy but up)and they were sitting on top of it. Whew, that was a close call! I moved into this white stucco cottage the spring after Katrina destroyed our new house on the river--only lived there a month--and while this smaller house was not perfect for us, we've grown tired of relocating, and I'm eager to stay put where I can garden to my heart's content, and keep in touch with all the wildlife frequenting the area. Just last week, I got the NWF to certify my property as a BACKYARD HABITAT and the sign for it is on its way here now. Grandma's rock!! Here is a link that might be useful: Backyard Habitat Certification

Two things, from my perspective: With regard to feeding bluebirds during nesting season, I would do this only in emergencies such as extended periods of cold, wet weather when insects are scarce. Bluebirds love "junk food" too, and providing a diet of mealworms or suet can encourage them, especially females, to become calcium deficient. Not good, especially at a time of year when their bodies are expending so much during egg-laying. Bet has posted info on this at sialis.org-see link below. The second is a reminder that your nestboxes should be mounted on metal conduit with a predator baffle. Someone may have said this already, but I didn't see it. I hope everyone has a safe and productive nesting season! Kathy Here is a link that might be useful: Supplementing Calcium

Hi...Your blues will probably return to begin nestbuilding when the weather permits. In the meantime, you can order live mealworms. Several on the forum use NY Mealworms. My blues are currently eating the dried mealworms, but they do prefer the live ones. DO NOT place them in the nestbox. When I began feeding mealworms, I placed them in a dish close to where I would see them perch. Soon enough, other birds discovered them as well. I ordered a mealworm feeder which is a round jailhouse style. It still allows the smaller birds in, but keeps out the bullies. The cup is in the middle. Try using a shallow dish first and even if your blues are MIA for awhile, place it where you have seem them. Hope this helps and good luck! Donna

David, 3 of my trails are located in parks in my county. Yes, you absolutely must get permission . . . there is usually a process of filing your proposal and having it formally approved. It's a good idea to keep a copy of the approval with you during your monitoring visits, too, in case someone questions your involvement with the nestboxes. I keep a copy in my monitoring notebook along with emergency telephone numbers for the police, parks department and wildlife rehabber, just in case. I also have a small trail with 5 boxes at a local elementary school where I work. I would suggest starting small--maybe a few boxes--and add to your trail a little at a time. During nesting season each box will need to be monitored a minimum of once per week--I usually visit mine 2 to 3 times per week from April through August. It's a huge commitment, but well worth the effort. Kathy