Because Bluebirds can't excavate their own cavity, they depend on abandoned woodpecker holes or naturally occurring holes in dead trees. These birds were very common all across the eastern U-S 80 years ago, but have been in steady decline. Habitat loss and competition from other birds for nests sites are the reasons. Their natural habitat is being destroyed by man, and other bird species such as European House Sparrows, European Starlings and Wrens compete aggressively for the same nest sights. That's where we come in.
Bluebirds readily nest in man-made cavities.
Many conscientious folks have erected bluebird trails to help this beautiful member of the Thrush family increase its numbers. A Bluebird trail can be simply one or two nest boxes in a spacious back yard or hundreds of boxes stretching for miles. If you live in a rural or suburban area and have a large lawn, you should have no trouble attracting these birds to your yard. Trails are also easy to set up and maintain in city parks, cemeteries, and golf courses. Now is the time to either clean out the bluebird boxes you already have or erect a new trail for the upcoming nesting season.