Hunting Perches: Bluebirds hunt by sitting on perches (think nest box lids, fence posts and dead trees) about 3 to 6 feet high to look for their prey. Their eyesight is unbelievable — a bluebird can see an insect from 20 feet away and swoop down on it from the perch. After the bluebird has exhausted the territory he can see from one perch, he’ll move on to a perch in a new area. It’s easy to put up a few hunting perches for your bluebirds — it can be simple as pounding a 4′ stake into the lawn every 20 feet or so. Keep the grass mowed in the area to make hunting even easier for your blue friends.
Fruit-bearing Plants: During the warm season, insects make up the bulk of the bluebirds’ diet. They fill in the cracks with delicious fruits and berries, and when the insects are no longer available, they live on the fruit. Plus, the shrubs provide safe cover and protection, as well. Consider adding a few native, non-invasive shrubs, trees, and vines to your yard to provide the birds with nutritious fruit. A few favorites include Mountain Ash, Serviceberry, Elderberry, Eastern Red Cedar, Flowering Dogwood, and Virginia Creeper. The experts at your Cooperative Extension office can help you find the best varieties for you location.
Give us a call with any questions — we’re available Monday–Friday from 9:00am–5:00pm EST at 1-800-763-7878. Happy Bluebirding!
