Bluebirds are beautiful, and many people enjoy watching them flit about in their backyards. But these birds can face competition from other species of birds, particularly sparrows, that can take over their nesting spaces. If you’re looking to attract bluebirds to your yard, you can design your birdhouse and the surrounding area to be sparrow-resistant. Here’s how.
Choose the Right Birdhouse
The first step to making your backyard sparrow-resistant is to choose the right birdhouse. Bluebirds prefer small, insulated houses with a circular entrance hole. The house should also have a slanted roof to help with drainage and ventilation. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the house is at least six inches by six inches, and the entrance hole should be about 1.25 inches in diameter. You can buy pre-made birdhouses or make your own for added sparrow-resistance.
Position the House Carefully
When you’re positioning the house, it’s important to keep sparrows in mind. Bluebirds prefer to have their houses in an open area, such as in a field, meadow, or near a pond. However, you should be careful to avoid placing the house near trees or shrubs, as these can be inviting for sparrows. It’s also a good idea to place the house at least five feet off the ground, as this will make it less accessible to sparrows.
Install a Sparrow Guard
If you’re really set on keeping sparrows away from your bluebird house, you can install a sparrow guard. This is a metal device that is placed on the roof of the birdhouse and has several small holes in it. The holes are just small enough for bluebirds to get through, but too small for sparrows. This will help protect the bluebirds from any sparrows that may try to take over the house.
Keep the Area Clean
Finally, make sure to keep the area around the birdhouse clean. This means removing any trash or debris that may attract sparrows. You may also want to remove any nearby bird feeders, as this can also attract sparrows. Keeping the area clean and free of food sources will help make your backyard sparrow-resistant and more inviting to bluebirds.
Following these tips can help make your backyard sparrow-resistant and more inviting to bluebirds. With the right birdhouse and a few precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy watching bluebirds in your backyard for years to come.
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