Nest box placement - Top 7 Recommendations
Placement is one of several factors to consider when you install a new nest box.
The right placement will help you minimize repairs or the need for replacement. It will also help provide the Mountain Bluebirds who raise their young in the nest box with the best chance of success!
A well-built nest box is among the most important recommendations we can give! Install an appropriate nest box that is built for Mountain Bluebirds.
Review our Essential Information for Trail Monitors to understand how our recommendations fit within the larger context of Mountain Bluebird trail monitoring. There are lots of great resources out there, for example Ellis Bird Farm has created a great Fact Sheet on Attracting Bluebirds.
Keep in mind, our “Top 7 Recommendations” are general guidelines for a single nest box! Nest box placement must take into consideration the local conditions. Nest boxes may need to be relocated as local conditions change such as native pasture is replaced by crops, or a new building site is established near a nest box.
Top 7 Recommendations for Placement of Mountain Bluebird Nest Boxes:
Nest boxes should be placed 1.2-2 m above the ground, facing a perching site (tree or fencepost). This will help the parents guard the nest box site and the young with their flight training.
Face nest box opening away from prevailing winds, where possible (Southeast, or Northwest). The strongest winds in Southern Alberta are from the southwest, and spring snow storms blow in from the northeast.
Place boxes near native grass or pasture. Open and barren or short-cut grassed area with a few trees nearby is ideal.
Don’t place boxes where cows (who rub on boxes), or horses (who eat them) can reach them. Rocks placed around the post will generally keep cattle far enough from the box. Sheet metal can be attached to the edges of the roof to deter horses from chewing on the plywood.
Don’t place boxes near farm yards as house sparrows will move in and there may be cats around.
Avoid placing boxes in areas that are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. This will help provide a safe habitat with plenty of available food nearby.
Record the number branded on the nest boxes and GPS the coordinates. Take a picture of your installed nest box! This will help with monitoring and data collection.
Mountain Bluebirds return to Southern Alberta as early as the first week of March. In Southern Alberta it is best to have your nest boxes ready by the end of February.
In addition, have permission from landowner(s) before placing any nest box!
Use common sense to ensure the long term success of your nest box. Carefully observe your nest box over time to determine if relocation is necessary.
Are you developing a new Mountain Bluebird Trail? Register with us! Do you have questions or need assistance? Please contact us!
Do you have tips or recommendations to share with others? Please comment below! We also encourage you to send us your photos for the website or Spring Newsletter.
Thank you for all you do to support the Mountain Bluebirds!