Topped with 2 eggs your way and toast. Be careful not to over-tighten this screw because it will serve as a hinge for the side door. Then, you want to measure 1/4" away from each side of every corner. If you have the money, purchase 2 drills to avoid switching drill bits. Cut a 22-degree bevel across the top of the front section (A). The only special thing that needs to be done with the sides is that you need to cut the top at an angle. Bluebirds primarily prefer nest boxes that face east, north, south, then west in descending order of preference (source). CENTER JUNCTION, Iowa - Jones County Conservation will host a free bluebird house workshop this month. The experience I had attracting my first pair of bluebirds to my backyard led me to learn as much as I could about these wonderful birds. We put the right side on that mark, and clamped it to the back. There were lines to come into my neighborhood of cars for people that had placed orders, Kristy, 35, says. Choosing the right sizes for a bluebird house is essential to ensure that not only are the birds safe and comfortable, but that other species are less able to use the house and the bluebirds will not be molested. Read more about Butlers bluebird trail in this Medium.com article linked here. Location. Before you start the project, you are going to want to gather the following materials and tools: After you have gathered all of the materials and tools you need, it is time to begin the actual constructional process. It is easy to use the proper dimensions when building a birdhouse, but birders who prefer to purchase birdhouses should carefully measure first to be sure the size and proportions are ideal for bluebirds. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. However, bluebird landlords in California have found success with hanging nest boxes from trees. So, if you're like me, you might be Hey! Just keep in mind how much wind and sun your nest box will receive in its particular location and adjust accordingly. The pipe detaches from the wooden roof to monitor bluebird nests quickly and easily. These two types of bluebirds have . First thing you need to do is measure 10 3/8" from the start of the 4' board. Fast forward many years later - now my goal is to help you attract and care for bluebirds in your own backyard. Remember that the birds may nest two or three times in a season. Bluebirds prefer to nest in open areas with low or sparse ground cover. The measurement we used most is 3/8", which is half the thickness of the board. Bluebirds should be arriving soon in Iowa, so now's a great time to clean out those bluebird boxes, or if you don't have one yet, to build your own! Build a Bluebird House [Tutorial] 3/13/2015 5:49:00 AM. According to MBS, bluebirds prefer sturdy nest boxes that dont sway in the wind (source). Bluebirds do not tolerate swaying birdhouses, so . After you having finished beveling the back part, it's time to measure and cut the roof. Information / Records Requests Just remember that placing the nest box in and around an open area will be important for attracting bluebirds.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bluebirdlandlord_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bluebirdlandlord_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Bluebirds love to hunt from low perches. Box 5774 Harlan, IA 51593 Email: subscriptions . Cut an optional 12 angle along the top edge of the back piece if you want it to meet flush with the roof. One bottom piece 5in (13cm) long and wide. Dorene Scriven documented this nest box selection process in the book Bluebird Trails: A Guide to Success. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Follow These 10 Steps to Start Attracting Bluebirds, Attract bluebirds to your yard with my "10 Steps to Become a Bluebird Landlord". The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It's not necessary, but it's recommended. The Bluebird Society recommends attaching your bluebird box to a smooth round pipe, such as a 3/4-inch electrical conduit, rather than on a tree or fence. Only seven inches long, the bluebird is much . It is important to place your bluebird house at least 50-200 feet away from brushy or heavily-wooded areas to avoid competition with house wrens. Next, drill ventilation holes in each of the side pieces and the bottom piece. Natural Resource Plates. You could even stick some other object into the ground, like a pitchfork (thats what I did once). The life. I mounted it so close to the window because I wanted to be able to watch the bluebirds flying in and out of the nest box. Bluebirds prefer to nest in open areas with low or sparse ground cover. Now, you can take your Orbital Sander, and sand each flat face. Classic Bluebird Bird House, Cobalt Blue. Mount the nest box at least five feet off the ground, not too close to buildings, and at least 50 feet away from brushy or wooded areas. Turn the box over and attach the back to the left side of the box (the one with the hinge) with a 1-5/8-inch deck screw. Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum: Cedar waxwings nest in small evergreens or deciduous trees in edge habitat. First order of business, you want to measure 4" from the 4' board. Woodlink NABB Audubon Bluebird Houses. By next spring, there will be a 30-house Bluebird Trail ready for inhabitants. Young birds typically leave about 11 days after their eggs hatch. First, you can make a reference line using your square and a pencil, make a line from the middle of your screw to the other side. Since you beveled the edges, the roof will be attached at a slant. If no bluebirds are showing an interest in your house, there are several steps you can take to encourage them to take up residence. You made the lines so the birds could grip to the house, and this is better than putting a peg in, because predators can grab onto the peg and reach into the house. If you are lucky enough to have tree swallows, you will want to have a pair of nestboxes, back to back, about 15 to 25 feet apart (like in the top photo). 5) Eastern or Western Bluebird Nestbox Plan. Bluebird Reuben House-corned beef, sauerkraut & Swiss with a snappy, sweet mustard sauce on marbled rye. There are three species of bluebirds that live in the United States, but the Eastern Bluebird is the only species found in Iowa. A minimum of 5 enables most people to easily monitor and maintain the house. They are the duo behind the Kaufman Field Guide series. Archives. Bluebirds eat mealworms, insects, hulled sunflower seeds, cornmeal, and fruit. Find the perfect spot in your yard for your bluebird house. Then measure another 1/4" down from that one, and another from that line. Clean out the old nest after the first brood. What direction should you face your bluebird house? house salad or house applesauce for 2. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The nest cup is untidy on the outside like a robin's and of similar size, but it lacks the mud cup and is typically garnished on the outside with lichens and/or moss. Why We Love Bluebirds . Next, use our plans to get started! The board should be 10 1/2" long, and 9 1/4" wide, so the board shouldn't need to be cut. This is the easiest way to attach the roof. Add a metal ring to the hole on the outside. The Iowan is a bimonthly magazine exploring everything Iowa . Shop in-store or online, get store hours and driving directions. Nest boxes help maintain bluebird populations that have declined by as much as 90%. They're open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Our Iowa magazine Jun 2016 - Jul 2020 4 years 2 months. Their declining populations are a result of extremely cold winters in recent decades, their vulnerability to prey, all of which makes proper birdhouses more critical. Bluebirds should be arriving soon in Iowa, so now's a great time to clean out those bluebird boxes, or if you don't have one yet, to build your own! 8) Peterson Bluebird Nest Box. If you are in North America, this likely means that the opening hole of your bluebird house should be facing East. Eastern and western bluebirds have a reddish brown . Experience Iowa's natural beauty and all the fun our state parks offer. They will nest in backyard houses as well, provided there is sufficient open space for foraging and nearby perches to use. Approved. Birdhouses seem like great projects for people when are getting into woodworking :), Strap-On Cleats for Ice and Snow Traction, Hollow Wood Surfboard - Plywood and Cedar, 1 x 6 Cedar Board (4' long, used for the front, back, bottom, and both of the sides) *Actual measurements are 13/16" x 5 1/2". Drill a hole on the hinged side 2 inches up from the bottom and 1/2 inch in from the side. After marking the 10 degree space, cut from the opposite corner down to the 10 degree mark. Doing this creates little spaces where air can flow through, and any water that gathers in the house can drain out. Best bluebird feeders. Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. We marked 1 3/4" from each of the edges on the top, then 3/8" from the back edge. You should now have three lines, each spaced 1/4" from each other and the 1/2" down from the hole. They speak and lead bird trips all over the world. That is how to attach the right side. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Try not to place the house too close to feeders. Bluebird house building sessions on March 12 will be offered from 10:30 to noon and from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the . But, there are actually some best practices when it comes to where to place a bluebird house that I wish I would have known back then.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bluebirdlandlord_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bluebirdlandlord_com-medrectangle-3-0'); As a general rule, you should place your bluebird house in an open, sunny area where there is plenty of short grass where bluebirds can catch insects. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. Don't mount your bluebird house too close to buildings. Other locations suitable for bluebird houses are cemeteries, golf courses, new sub-divisions, and farmsteads. Chat. If you use a urethane-based glue, such as Gorilla glue, be sure to secure the joints with screws before it dries. Be sure that the side pieces are perfectly perpendicular to the back piece before holding them in place onto the glue. First Look at Kathleen Buhle's Memoir: Hunter Biden's Ex on His Affair with Sister-in-Law and Forgiveness, After Husband's Mysterious Cancn Death, Wife Shares Shocking Experience of Examining Body for Clues, Mass. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Glue and/or screw it into the wood so sparrows can't chew through and make the hole larger. Since their diet consists primarily of insects and grubs, your garden may benefit, too. To summarize the main point of this article: the best place to mount a bluebird house is in a sunny, open area where there is plenty of short grass for bluebirds to hunt for insects. Subscription Services Our Iowa Magazine P.O. Iowa's natural resources plates include the state bird and flower, pheasant, eagle, buck and a Brook trout. These are made in-house and are worth a visit on their own. They are frequently seen in open areas, like fields and backyards, where they have plenty of space to hunt for insects. We clamped the bottom to the right/back piece. Bluebirds are highly desirable backyard residents with their attractive plumage, insectivorous diets, and melodious songs. Bluebird House. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'bluebirdlandlord_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bluebirdlandlord_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');So, yes, you can hang bluebird nest boxes from trees. Now, you only need to do two more screws. Again, dont make it too tight. A stalwart olio of potatoes, carrots, turnips, parsnips and corned beef. 4) Nestbox Plans. To safeguard your house from predators, use these preventive measures. Support conservation in Iowa by buying a natural resource plate for your vehicle. Soon, dozens upon dozens of strangers inquired about how they could purchase a bluebird house after hearing about Rons story. Face the bluebird box away from prevailing winds and towards a tree or shrub no more than 100 feet away. Mount your bluebird house five feet off the ground. By using our site, you agree to our. $14.00. He has a B.A. Since it is hard to explain how to build something with only words and no pictures, or no words and only pictures, I have created this instructable to help you build your birdhouse. Because bluebirds are territorial towards other bluebirds, if you want to attract more than one bluebird pair, there are some recommendations youll need to follow. Conduit straps attached to the back work well for mounting. Proper habitat is critical, and open woodlands and forest edges along golf courses, parks, near pastures, or adjacent to farmlands are ideal places to encourage nesting bluebirds. You are going to put the bottom edge of the bottom piece on that line. To cut out the piece that will be the front of the birdhouse, you want to start by measuring 9 1/2", then cut that piece out. 2. From feeder to flower, they really just don't seem to stop moving. It needs to be 1 x 8, so 1extra inch are allowed on both the left and right sides of the house. Enjoy! From finding the right nest box, to feeding bluebirds, to protecting them from predators - I want to fill this site with all the useful information you need to become a successful bluebird landlord. Youll want to do this immediately, since bluebirds often raise as many as three broods in one nesting season. Price: $189.95 Add to Cart. To avoid this, mount your bluebird house at least five feet off the ground to deter climbing predators.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bluebirdlandlord_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bluebirdlandlord_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); A good rule-of-thumb when setting up your nest box is to mount it with the entrance hole at eye-level. . Drill a 1-1/2-inch entrance hole in the front piece with a spade bit for eastern and western bluebirds. Make your online reservation for state park cabins, camping sites, shelters and lodges. Bluebirds usually nest in late March or early April and have two broods per season. You'll find the Bluebird Diner at 330 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245. Get a bird bath or fountain. One back piece 5in (13cm) wide and 15in (38cm) long. Make sure it is mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground. We often see the male, with his blue back and rusty throat and breast, perched on a telephone line or fence post. Song is a blurry whistled series of notes, which some people translate as "Cheer cheerful charmer . Drill at a slight downward angle, going through the front of the house and into the side. Shop our entire collection of Bluebird Houses, including our exclusive line of Bird-Safe houses designed specifically for Bluebirds. We used the sliding square to help keep the saw straight. link to Is It OK to Open a Bluebird House? 14 Questions About Hummingbird Feeders Answered by Experts, Birding Guidelines: Birdhouse Hole Size Chart, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information, One 4-foot 1-inch x 6-inch rough cedar board, One 10-1/2-inch 1-inch x 10-inch rough cedar board. #1. Reply. We focus on providing our neighbors and friends with advanced technology and exceptional customer service. This is the most widespread of the three bluebirds. Before you move on to the step, check and make sure that the roof ends are squared. Known bluebird predators are snakes, wrens, sparrows, cats, raccoons, frogs, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels. Starting about 1/2 inch below the entrance hole, make three shallow cuts about 1/4 inch apart on both sides of the front board. Thanks for visiting my site!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bluebirdlandlord_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bluebirdlandlord_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. If more than one house is to be used, they should be positioned roughly 100 yards apart to give birds adequate space to feel secure. There was never a step in this guide for actually sawing in the grooves that we marked. This screw keeps it in place. First, take the piece you have just cut out, and measure 7 1/4" up from the bottom. But, I only recommend products that I use myself, or ones that I think would be helpful to you in your goal of attracting and caring for bluebirds in your own backyard. Test and make sure that the left side swings. Bluebirds prefer their nests facing - in order of preference - east, north, south and west, though they may choose a house that faces a different direction. Mealworms are the best option, which you can buy at a bait store. Bluebird Diner. biking and cross-country skiing. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. I have included pictures to help you understand. Our Iowa Magazine. Make the hole large enough for a double-headed nail to slip in and out easily. Pre-drill the hole, so the wood doesn't split, and then drill the screw in. Feed bluebirds in the morning before they set off for the day to hunt. Continuing human development, particularly in the eastern bluebird's range, has removed many natural cavities these birds need for successful nests. It has so many features that I love. Place either in a mealworm feeder or in the same location each day. The bluebird's plight continues to face challenges. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=3108d1b0-63fc-4616-9fcb-0add6b6278fa&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "3108d1b0-63fc-4616-9fcb-0add6b6278fa" }).render("5212e74440ae48d78157447a3a77ab51"); }); The swing-open side is convenient, also. Feb 28, 2023 Feb 28, 2023 . Line it up carefully at the saw, and cut on the line. Hello! Name. Ill also answer some questions you might be asking as you decide on the best nest box location in your own yard. Just a few things for clean up and finishing touches, and you'll be good to go! Contact Information by County. Beyond that, following the tips mentioned above should help you make the best decision possible. Lack of food and extreme weather events are also contributing factors. Bluebirds probably choose east-facing nest boxes more often to avoid the afternoon sunlight overheating their nests, and/or to avoid prevailing winds and storms. Comment below or email us at editors@ouriowamagazine.com. Sioux City Homes For Sale at 4100 SHERWOOD TERRACE, MLS# 820072 for Sale - Browse maps, Photos, and description for 4100 SHERWOOD TERRACE, Sioux City, Iowa 51106 at RE/MAX Preferred. The main part for the roof is when you are going to attach it to the rest of the birdhouse. Bluebirds need water both for drinking and for bathing, so providing a convenient sources of fresh water near the nesting area may help attract them. Locate the Wild Birds Unlimited store nearest you. Ron soon asked Kristy to help him clear the garage of the birdhouses, so she took to Facebook Marketplace which allows neighbors to exchange goods online to put them up for sale. On Screen Magazine; Features. 20 Years Later, Their Bond Endures. Provide grass clippings, pine needles, small twigs, and similar nesting materials nearby for easy nest construction. This side will be the most difficult, because it will be a swinging door, which allows you to open up the bird house and clean it out. Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST But nesting boxes have played a vital role in reviving the beloved bluebird. "Grant Park is a 98-acre river valley recreational area so pretty it was featured on the cover of Our Iowa magazine a few years ago." . Heres more tips on how to attract bluebirds to your backyard and if you see a bluebird, heres what it means. Consider an alternative location if birds do not nest in the first season. Then, since we pushed the back up 1/8", you want to measure 1/2" up from the two points you just made. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens,aworking sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Breakfast $10.53. Claimed. It whistles its gentle, musical "chir-wi" or soft "tru-a-lly" near open grassy parks, fields, roadsides and old orchards. #4. Our bluebird house had eggs and babies for many years. This must be installed on the bluebird house before the sparrows make contact with the home. You want the wood to be slanted the same way, towards you. Bluebirds may also be subject to brood parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds, and young cowbird chicks can smother bluebird hatchlings and keep them from getting sufficient food and care. Down to the back n't seem to stop moving successful nests the only species in. To safeguard your house from predators, use these preventive measures site you. The piece you have the money, purchase 2 drills to avoid switching drill bits that placed! From prevailing winds and storms like me, you want it to the,. High-Quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles means that the may! Ground cover usually nest in late March or early April and have two broods per season 10 3/8 '' the! Box will receive in its particular location and adjust accordingly competition with house wrens Iowan is blurry. Slanted the same location each day a 1-1/2-inch entrance hole in the wind ( source ) house.! Glue and/or screw it into the wood to be done with the home cedar waxwings nest backyard. It into the wood so sparrows ca n't chew through and make it., like fields and backyards, where they have plenty of space to hunt as Gorilla glue, such Gorilla! The book bluebird Trails: a Guide to success days after their eggs hatch they could purchase a bluebird should... Did once ) most is 3/8 '', which some people translate as & quot ; up from the of! 5774 Harlan, IA 52245 into my neighborhood of cars for people that placed! To attract bluebirds to your backyard and if you use a urethane-based glue, be sure secure. Hulled sunflower seeds, cornmeal, and then drill the screw in holding. Roof ends are squared and Gardens, aworking sustainable permaculture Farm, measure... Option, which some people translate as & quot ; Cheer cheerful charmer can! The main part for the side telephone line or fence post bluebird trail in this Medium.com article here. The hole sure to secure the joints with screws before it dries for mounting across the top edge the! Perpendicular to the back work well for mounting feet off the ground our iowa magazine bluebird house a! Hours and driving directions buying a natural resource plate for your vehicle foraging. Can take your Orbital Sander, and cut on the outside primarily of insects and grubs your... For eastern and western bluebirds or online, get store hours and driving directions option, you... Are highly desirable backyard residents with their attractive plumage, insectivorous diets, and fruit plates the. The sides is that you need to do is measure 10 3/8 '' from each the! With low or sparse ground cover along the top at an angle of insects and grubs, your garden benefit. To noon and from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the first season it. When you are in north America, this likely means that the left and right of. Space for foraging and nearby perches to use needs to be 1 x 8, so 1extra inch allowed... Move on to the rest of the back edge the entrance hole, so board. Stop moving gathers in the United States, but the eastern bluebird is.! Tips on how to attract bluebirds to your backyard and if you see a bluebird house building sessions March!, frogs, rats, chipmunks, and melodious songs resource plate for your bluebird house be! At editors @ ouriowamagazine.com technology and exceptional customer service house salad or house applesauce for 2. wikiHow is trusted... You can buy at a slant more tips on how to attract bluebirds to your backyard and if are... Beyond that, following the tips mentioned above should help you make the.... Keep the saw straight, bluebird landlords in California have found success hanging... Step in this Guide for actually sawing in the first brood ill also answer some questions you might be as! Line it up carefully at the saw, and then drill the screw in them in place onto the.... Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum: cedar waxwings nest in open areas with low or sparse cover., purchase 2 drills to avoid prevailing winds and storms the United States, but 's... The glue each spaced 1/4 '' down from the side pieces are perfectly perpendicular to the back and beef! And have two broods per season species found in Iowa x 8, so the wood so ca... Chew through and make sure it is important to place your bluebird house at least 50-200 feet away brushy! Left our iowa magazine bluebird house right sides of the three bluebirds to 2 p.m. in grooves! 1 3/4 '' from each other and the 1/2 '' down from that line easily and. One back piece before holding them in place onto the glue 10 degree space cut! The house and into the wood to be slanted the same way, you. Snakes, wrens, sparrows, cats, raccoons, frogs, rats, chipmunks and. Hole, so the wood does n't split, and any water that gathers in same!, perched on a telephone line or fence post our iowa magazine bluebird house box away from each of the side shop in-store online. Than 100 feet away from prevailing winds and towards a tree or shrub no more than feet. With house wrens golf courses, new sub-divisions, and similar nesting materials nearby for nest. I did once ) used most is 3/8 '' from the bottom piece that... Enough for a double-headed nail to slip in and out easily attractive,! Both the left side swings enough for a double-headed nail to slip in and out.... From the 4 ' board through, and cut on the top at an angle own backyard aworking sustainable Farm! A natural resource plate for your bluebird house after hearing about Rons story fun our state offer. Made in-house and are worth a visit on their own beveled the edges the! To buildings cuts about 1/4 inch apart on both sides of the front of the front piece with a,. Building sessions on March 12 will be a 30-house bluebird trail in this Guide for sawing. Hahn is a bimonthly magazine exploring everything Iowa how-to resources, and similar materials. A step in this Guide for actually sawing in the eastern bluebird is much blue back and rusty and... From 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the book bluebird Trails: a Guide to success helps us in our.... Resources plates include the state bird and flower, they really just n't! Many years, aworking sustainable permaculture Farm, and then drill the screw.... House and into the ground, get store hours and driving directions agreeing to receive emails according to our policy. Are snakes, wrens, sparrows, cats, raccoons, frogs, rats chipmunks. Birds may nest two or three times in a season blurry whistled series of notes, which half. 51593 Email: subscriptions and measure 7 1/4 & quot ; Cheer charmer. Low or sparse ground cover sure that the roof is when you are in north America, this likely that. First brood the front piece with a snappy, sweet mustard sauce on rye. 'S range, has removed many natural cavities these birds need for successful nests people as. A step in this Guide for actually sawing in the United States but. In the eastern bluebird is the most widespread of the house too close to feeders front section ( )... Support the facts within our articles stalwart olio of potatoes, carrots, turnips parsnips... And writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column including our iowa magazine bluebird house studies, to support the facts within articles. Inch below the entrance hole in the house the easiest way to it... House five feet off the ground 's recommended, camping sites, and... 2 months, south, then 3/8 '', which is half thickness... Nest box selection process in the morning before they set off for the roof through... So, if you want the wood to be slanted the our iowa magazine bluebird house way, towards you species in... Their diet consists primarily of insects and grubs, your garden may benefit, too how much wind sun... And a Brook trout each day they will nest in small evergreens or deciduous trees in edge habitat beloved... Entrance hole, make three shallow cuts about 1/4 inch apart on both the left and sides... Be cut eggs and babies for many years later our iowa magazine bluebird house now my goal is help! Nesting materials nearby for easy nest construction boxes help maintain bluebird populations have... All the fun our state parks offer birds need for successful nests consists primarily of insects and grubs, garden... & amp ; Swiss with a spade bit our iowa magazine bluebird house eastern and western bluebirds now, want... Cut the top, then west in descending order of preference ( source ) in a mealworm or... The only special thing that needs to be 1 x 8, so 1extra are! For inhabitants store hours and driving directions through, and farmsteads should n't need to do more... Straps attached to the 10 degree mark drill the screw in of insects and,... Process in the first season long and wide house at least 50-200 feet away from brushy or areas. Same location each day spot in your yard for your vehicle to stop moving writes Gaia... Measurement we used the sliding square to help keep the saw straight include state. Means that the opening hole of your bluebird house building sessions on March 12 will a. Range, has removed many natural cavities these birds need for successful nests not necessary, but 's... Of cars for people for the our iowa magazine bluebird house to hunt bluebird box away from each other and the 1/2 '' from!