There are several houses to choose from. Returning bluebirds are a welcome sign of spring—but in many places, it’s up to people to give them a home. Nest Box Construction. Bluebird Nest Box Plans. All of these plans have been checked and approved by the North American Bluebird Society. Bluebird nest boxes are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct. Make sure they are clean and ready to go. When providing a bluebird nest box, there are several very important things you should do to help maximize the chances of a successful fledging. Note: When choosing wood for boxes, it is important to use a wood that will weather well. Here are some common practices to start with: General Nest Box Tips. Bluebird Nest Box Care. Bluebird Nest Box Plans Dan Sparks and other members of the North American Bluebird Society (NABS) designed this updated bluebird nesting box. Carl Little Bluebird Box (PDF) Gilwood Nestbox (PDF) Hanging Nestbox (PDF) Purvis Lifter for Hanging Nestboxes (PDF) How to Make a Simple Nestbox Retriever (PDF) Texas Blues TB-1 Nestbox (PDF) X-Box Bluebird Nestbox (PDF) Troyer Slot Box (PDF) Nest Box Predator Guards (PDF) Mounting a nestbox on a smooth metal pole Put up your bluebird boxes by mid March. You can make one for as little as $5 of material and some of your own time, or you can buy them pre-built for about $20 and up. Cedar, redwood, etc are some examples.

Other birds may also take over a nest started by another species, or two species may be trying to claim a box and build in it or lay eggs in it at the same time. In the late 1970s, Peterson received an outpouring of letters and requests for nest box plans following a widely read Minneapolis Star Tribunearticle on his bluebird work. The aim was to make it attractive to bluebirds, simple in design and construction, easy to monitor, and resistant to inclement weather and predators. Unless nests are removed after each fledging or at the end of the season ( a good practice ), material from a previous nesting by another species can confuse identification, which is why its best to go by eggs and adults. To keep populations healthy, naturalists are urging people across the country to erect and tend bluebird boxes. His unique “Peterson” nest box, with its signature sloping roof to thwart predators, is credited with helping restore bluebird populations in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Pick the one that best suits your needs.

Avoid treated lumber.