| This nest box is constructed with Red Cedar. Wood stock is rough-cut on
both sides so birds can grip interior and exterior surfaces.
It has a 4" by 4" floor
(inside dimensions), 9" floor to ceiling (inside front), 1 1/2" diameter
entrance hole located 7" above the floor (to top of hole) and ventilation openings in
the floor and under the roof.
The hinged roof provides easy access
for monitoring and cleaning. Shutter hooks secure roof in closed position.
Pilot holes in both primary and secondary work pieces makes for easy assembly in minutes.
Mount on a post about four feet high
with partial sun and shade (see Eastern Bluebird
species page for specific habitat and mounting instuctions.)
In areas where the Eastern Bluebird
range overlaps that of the Mountain Bluebird, use the
larger
nestbox for Mountain Bluebirds and Western Bluebirds which will accommodate all three
bluebirds.
Make a "bluebird trail" of several houses
about 100 yards apart; further in wide open expanses and closer in clearings of wooded
areas.
Monitor the boxes for unwanted squatters. Deter
predators with steel posts or sheet metal wrapped around wood posts. Avoid shade, but also
avoid direct sunlight through the entrance if possible.
Tree Swallow
Nestboxes placed between bluebird nest boxes invite good
neighbors that will help defend against sparrows, but
the bird houses also invite sparrows, so monitor the swallow houses as well as the
bluebird houses.
Remove the nest in late summer or fall
after the brood rearing seasons are over.
See assembly instructions and complete
plans below.
Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice,
Wrens, Tree and Violet Green Swallows (and sparrows) may use this nest box. Resources
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