Bluebirds Always Bring a Smile

There is just something special about an Eastern Bluebird. Maybe it is their soft voice, their calm nature, or the flash of brilliant blue when one lands on a fence post in the morning sun. However they win us over, bluebirds bring beauty, joy, and a sense of peace to any backyard.

Eastern Bluebirds are birds of open spaces. They are most often found in open country with scattered trees, field edges, parks, golf courses, and backyards with room to hunt insects from a perch. They often sit upright on wires, posts, or nest boxes, then drop to the ground to catch prey. Mealworms, insects, and berries are among their favorite foods, and a properly placed nest box can make your yard even more attractive to a nesting pair.

Because they readily use nest boxes, bluebirds have become one of the most rewarding backyard birds to watch. Their comeback is one of bird feeding’s great success stories, helped by people who provided safe nesting sites in areas where natural cavities had become scarce.

Nature Happenings

Spring is one of the best times to watch bluebird activity in the Pensacola area. This is the season when pairs are often defending territories, carrying nesting material, visiting cavities and nest boxes, and raising young.

  • Watch for pairs perched near open lawn or along fences as they hunt insects.
  • Look for repeated visits to a nest box, especially when one bird carries grasses or pine needles.
  • Listen for their soft, cheerful calls in the morning and throughout the day.
  • Offer mealworms to make your yard more attractive during nesting season.
  • Keep nest boxes clean and ready between broods if you actively manage bluebird boxes.

Fun Facts About Eastern Bluebirds

  • Eastern Bluebirds hunt by perching in the open, then dropping to the ground to grab insects.
  • Insects are their main food for much of the year, while berries become important in fall and winter.
  • The female builds the nest and handles most of the incubation.
  • Bluebirds often use nest boxes and return to the same areas year after year.
  • They can raise multiple broods in a single season.
  • Their recovery is one of the great conservation success stories thanks to backyard nest box programs.

How to Attract Bluebirds

  • Offer mealworms in a feeder designed for bluebirds.
  • Provide open hunting space with short grass or patchy ground cover.
  • Install a proper bluebird nest box in an open area.
  • Use predator guards to protect nests.
  • Plant native species that support insects and produce berries.
  • Avoid pesticides to maintain a healthy insect population.

Why We Love Them

Bluebirds have long been symbols of happiness, and it is easy to understand why. Their gentle nature, beautiful colors, and soft songs make them one of the most cherished backyard birds.

If you would like help attracting bluebirds to your yard, visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Pensacola. We would love to help you choose the right feeders, mealworms, and nest boxes to welcome these favorites.