![]() In the long run, this will result in a more healthy ecosystem for your bluebirds and other wildlife. Further, MBS recommends that interested gardeners take steps to eradicate non-native species of plants from their yard when possible. NOTE: It is the position of the Michigan Bluebird Society that it is best to plant native, non-invasive species of plants whenever possible. Also, putting small posts (like tomato stakes) with cross bars at the top around the yard will help provide perch spots. ![]() So, leave out dead snags sometimes if bluebirds can utilize them. They use these as vantage points to look for insects. Second, bluebirds like perching spots not far from their nest box. So, make sure you don't over-do it with ground covers and low-lying shrubs. They find their insect prey by sight in open areas. First, bluebirds like a lot of short grass areas. Here are few more tips on landscaping your yard for bluebirds. Finally, don't think you have to do this all in one year either. Are your bluebird boxes in good, open spots with perching spots not far away? What kind of trees and shrubs do you already have? Are there any plants that don't provide any value to wildlife and can be removed? Where are your bird feeders and do you want to keep them in the same place? Where are the sunny and sheltered areas of the yard? After doing this, you can then create a plan on where to put new trees and shrubs that bluebirds will love. Look around your yard and assess what you already have first. In creating your bluebird habitat, it's important to start with a plan. Again, bluebirds will mainly eat these natural plant-foods during colder weather when insects are not readily available. Another reason to do this is to stagger the times when fruits are ripening so that there is food available for the birds all the time. So, one key is to provide a diversity of trees and bushes so that there are more choices for birds and insects alike. Plus, these plants will also attract insects that bluebirds feed upon. Also, trees and bushes provide valuable protection from predators such as Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks.īluebirds love many kinds of berries and seeds from shrubs and trees. Dense hedges and conifer trees are the best choices to provide cover. They also provide shelter for bluebirds from harsh winds and cold temperatures. Planting shrubs and bushes do more than provide food. And with more bluebirds wintering over in Michigan, it become even more important that we help them by turning our yards into bluebird havens. Bluebirds especially rely on these foods in the fall, winter, and early spring. (see our Feeding Bluebirds page for more information) But, one of the best sources of food are natural berries on shrubs and trees. During cold weather, bluebirds will sometimes accept other foods like corn meal, suet, and sunflower hearts. Their favorite choice is live meal worms. All you need to do is hook it up to a grounded electrical outlet with an outdoor extension cord. These baths can be purchased for a modest cost and will keep the water ice-free during cold winter months. Bluebirds are increasingly spending the winters in southern Michigan and will come to water sources every day. Adding a waterfall or dripper that creates the sound of moving water will attract even more bluebirds.Ĭonsider putting out a heated bird bath in the winter. You can also create bird ponds that are natural-looking mini-ponds built into the ground. And, all baths need to be kept away from low ground cover where cats lurk. Try to keep the water depth no more than one and a half inches. A shallow bath, either on the ground or on a pedestal works great. Bluebirds love water and will drink and bathe in a bath year-round. The goal is to provide a habitat for your bluebirds that contains everything they are looking for.Īfter setting up nest boxes, a bird bath is a great next step. Bluebird boxes take care of the last item, but what about the other three? Well, the best way to attract bluebirds to your yard year-round is by providing everything they are looking for in a well thought-out bluebird landscape. Like all birds, bluebirds need 4 resources: food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. Nest boxes aren't the only way to attract bluebirds into our yards. This section will discuss Landscaping For Bluebirds. Putting up nesting boxes is the best way, but not the only method. You can attract bluebirds to your property using a number of different methods. Landscaping You Can Do To Attract More Bluebirds
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