Is it too late?

12 years ago

Hey guys I saw a Bluebird in my yard for the first time ever! The only time I've ever seen them was at the park about a mile away from my house. I have never housed Bluebirds before but I've always wanted to. I was wondering if it is too late to put up a box. If not, are there any ways that I could possibly entice the Bluebird to become more interested in my yard. I only saw one of them (I'm pretty sure it was a male) and it was only for about 30 seconds or so and then it flew off. I'm hoping that it's not too late in the breeding season for them to still be searching for a new home. I'm in zone 6 if that helps. Thanks.

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Comments (9)

kendra2003
12 years ago
It is not too late. My Bluebirds have just started laying their second clutch. Last year they had three clutches - First in April, second in June, and third in August. I'm in zone 5. Please make sure to read the sialis website so you will be able to offer them a safe box to nest in. Congratulation on seeing your first Bluebird. Just remember that even if you're not successful in attracting them to nest this year, they will remember your box and you could get lucky next spring.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sialis
D_Cappola
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, this is good news. I'm gonna set up a mealworm feeder outside either today or tomorrow in hopes of attracting them. I only have one birdhouse up right now but I plan on buying/making more soon.
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deanie13
12 years ago
I don't think it's too late either. My pair just finished laying their second clutch this season in the box in my yard, but they laid their first clutch in my neighbor's box. That clutch was stolen and so I'm happy to say they're trying out my box. Wish them luck.

The mealworms are a good idea.
dzyg
12 years ago
Yep, it is never too late! Just a note about a mealworm feeder. It is a great idea if you have blues in your yard that you can train to come to one but if not you could be wasting your money. Bluebirds don't readily come to feeders and need to be trained to do so by putting a dish with live mealworms under where they normally perch. Once they see the movement they will drop down on it and see what they are. Once they know there are mealworms in the dish you can move it to where you want. Just so you are aware it may not work to just set up a mealworm feeder as unless they have been fed somewhere else in a feeder like yours, they will have no clue that there are mealworms in it.

Good luck!

Donna
dzyg
12 years ago
Yep, it is never too late! Just a note about a mealworm feeder. It is a great idea if you have blues in your yard that you can train to come to one but if not you could be wasting your money. Bluebirds don't readily come to feeders and need to be trained to do so by putting a dish with live mealworms under where they normally perch. Once they see the movement they will drop down on it and see what they are. Once they know there are mealworms in the dish you can move it to where you want. Just so you are aware it may not work to just set up a mealworm feeder as unless they have been fed somewhere else in a feeder like yours, they will have no clue that there are mealworms in it.

Good luck!

Donna
bandjzmom
12 years ago
Nope...not too late. Hurry, and get that box up. Just make sure that it's properly mounted and in an optimal location. You need a nice open space away from trees. It's easy to tell the males from the females because the males have so much color. The male would be the scout who is looking for a place to call home. Then, he finds a girl and brings her to check out his digs, hoping that she will approve and want to stay there with him to nest. Get going, and keep us posted!~~Angie
D_Cappola
Original Author
12 years ago
Another question regarding to the mealworms... Should I place the dish next to the box or somewhere else in the yard?
dzyg
12 years ago
If you read my post above I explained about how to train bluebirds to come to a feeder/dish. You need bluebirds in your yard first before you put mealworms out. Mealworms are not cheap and to just put them out because you saw one bluebird in your yard would be wasting your money. If you have a pair or even one coming regularly to your yard, yes I would try to get it to eat the mealworms but even then you need to place it under where it normally perches. Putting mealworms by a nestbox would just be luring other birds and predators to the nestbox, it isn't a good idea.

Good luck, hope that bluebird comes back and brings its mate!

Donna
D_Cappola
Original Author
12 years ago
Update: Earlier today I saw both the male and female perched on the telephone wires in front of my house. After a little observing, I found out that they have already found a home in my neighbor's backyard. I'm wondering why I never noticed them before... Maybe they are just starting their second brood? Well anyways, I'm going to leave the box up in hopes of them changing their minds or possibly in case of them having a third brood later on, and of course for next year as well. Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll be sure to update you if anything happens!

Is it too late?

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Is it too late?

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kendra2003

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