This is a common question many bluebird enthusiasts find themselves asking as the weather turns cold. While leaving up bluebird houses over winter may seem like a nice gesture to support local bird populations, there are a few important factors to consider before making a decision.
Do bluebirds use birdhouses in winter?
Bluebirds do not use birdhouses in winter. Bluebirds are migratory birds that head south to warmer climates as winter approaches in the northern parts of their range. The eastern bluebird’s winter range extends from southern Missouri all the way to Central America and Mexico. Mountain bluebirds and western bluebirds winter primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
A few stragglers may linger into early winter, but bluebirds will abandon nest boxes by late October or November at the latest until spring time. They retreat to woodlands, orchards, and other natural areas where they can find food and shelter in tree cavities or dense vegetation. Since they are not around to use birdhouses, there is no advantage for them to leave houses up over the winter months.
What are the downsides to leaving up bluebird houses in winter?
There are a few potential problems that can arise from allowing bluebird houses to remain up over winter:
- Non-native species may occupy the nest boxes. European starlings and house sparrows, both invasive species, are likely to move into abandoned nest boxes and may compete with bluebirds for the sites in spring.
- Rain, snow, and ice can damage the nest boxes if they are not properly constructed for durability. Wood can warp, metal parts can rust, and water can accumulate and rot the interior.
- Wasps and hornets may establish colonies inside the empty nesting cavities.
- Predators such as raccoons may learn to associate the houses with food sources and damage them trying to access any remaining nests.
Leaving up bluebird houses can attract undesirable occupants and expose them to the elements. Unless specifically designed to withstand winter conditions, they are generally better taken down.
Are there any benefits to leaving nest boxes up?
The only real benefit to leaving bluebird nesting boxes up over winter is convenience. Taking down and re-mounting boxes each year takes time and effort. However, the potential drawbacks listed above usually outweigh this minor advantage.
Some people claim that leaving houses up may allow bluebirds and other native cavity nesters to better establish winter territories that they will return to in spring. However, winter territorial behavior is not very well studied in bluebirds and this idea remains speculative.
When is the best time to take down bluebird nesting boxes?
Late October to early November is the ideal window for taking down bluebird nesting boxes in most regions:
- This avoids periods of heavy bluebird juvenile activity in summer and fall.
- It precedes winter weather that can damage unattended boxes.
- It allows any straggling bluebirds time to migrate before boxes are removed.
Of course, the exact timing will depend on local conditions and average seasonal temperatures.
How should you clean and store bluebird houses over winter?
Here are some tips for cleaning and storing bluebird nesting boxes over winter:
- Gently remove old nesting material using a wire brush or dry cloth to avoid damaging the box.
- Clean the interior with a 10% bleach solution to kill bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow boxes to dry completely before storage.
- Seal any holes or cracks in the wood with caulk to prevent drafts and water damage.
- Apply fresh non-toxic water sealant if the exterior surface needs protective coating.
- Store nest boxes over winter in a clean, dry location protected from sun, rain, snow, and wind.
Proper maintenance will help ensure your bluebird houses survive the winter and remain usable for many seasons.
What maintenance should be done before putting houses back up?
In early spring before bluebird nesting season, inspect all stored nesting boxes and conduct any necessary maintenance:
- Check for any new leaks, holes, cracks or warping.
- Make repairs and apply fresh preservative as needed.
- Replace old vent screws or fasteners that aren’t holding well.
- Install new nest box if damage is too extensive.
- Choose proper location with suitable habitat as nest sites may shift.
- Clean out any animal nests or debris before mounting.
- Time installation so boxes are up well before breeding season gets underway.
Doing this annual maintenance ensures your boxes remain durable and safe for bluebirds over many years.
Conclusion
Here are some key takeaways on the best bluebird house practices for winter:
- Bluebirds do not use nesting boxes in winter after migrating south for the season.
- Leaving houses up leaves them empty and vulnerable to damage and problem species.
- Late fall is the best time to remove bluebird nesting boxes.
- Proper winter storage and maintenance will prolong usefulness of the nest box.
- Bluebird enthusiasts should install refreshed nest boxes again in early spring before breeding season.
Following these guidelines allows bluebird aficionados to balance supporting local bluebird populations while also keeping their nest boxes in optimal condition over the winter. Just a few simple steps will have your boxes ready to host more bluebird families next spring.
Season | Bluebird Activity | Nest Box Care Tips |
---|---|---|
Summer | Nesting and raising young | Monitor boxes to clean out old nests after young fledge |
Early Fall | Late nesting season wraps up | Allow late nesters to finish, clean boxes after |
Late Fall | Bluebirds migrate south for winter | Take boxes down before winter weather arrives |
Winter | Bluebirds are absent from nest box locations | Store nest boxes in protected area over winter months |
Early Spring | Bluebirds return and start claiming nest sites | Refresh and reinstall nest boxes before breeding season |
This table provides an overview of the seasonal cycle of bluebird activity and best practices for properly caring for nest boxes during each time period throughout the year.
Proper placement and maintenance of nesting boxes are crucial for attracting breeding bluebirds successfully. But it is equally important to adopt responsible practices for taking down and storing those boxes when they are not in use during the winter. Following these best practices will help local bluebird enthusiasts maximize their enjoyment of these beautiful native birds.
With a little yearly effort, you can leave your bluebird houses standing empty through harsh winters. The bluebirds will reward you by happily returning to raise their families in these cozy nesting homes spring after spring.