Price: $79.58
(as of May 23,2023 01:52:23 UTC – Details)
Product Description
The JCs Wildlife Peterson Bluebird House would make a lovely home for this guy and his family!
The Eastern Bluebird is one of America’s most adored songbirds – and they make great neighbors!
I’m going out on a limb here (no pun intended) to say that the Northern Cardinal is one of America’s most recognized and loved birds. But when it comes down to who you want taking up residence in your backyard nest box, the Eastern Bluebird surely wins top honors in this category!
In the early to mid 20th century, the number of Eastern Bluebirds was declining. But thanks to recent conservation and education efforts, their numbers are now back to 23 million and climbing.
Other than their sheer beauty, these birds are welcomed into yards because of their family values. The are monogamous throughout the breeding season and almost always travel in pairs as husband and wife. Once the kids have fledged the nest, they will likely hang around for awhile, learning all they can from Mom & Dad. During the colder months, Eastern Bluebirds will hang out together in small flocks for safety and warmth. They are truly very social creatures.
If you have never had the pleasure of experiencing a pair of bluebirds raising a family in your yard, you are truly missing out! The male will stake out a territory and then search for a suitable nesting cavity. As bluebirds are cavity nesters, this make them prime potential guests to your empty nest box. Once the male has found the right spot (according to him), he will then begin the process of holding an open house to show the female just what its all about. He’ll carry in some nesting material and place it inside. Of course he makes sure she’s watching this process. He’s likely to stand on top of the house, further luring her to their potential home. Then she’ll swing by, take a look inside, check out the surroundings, “kick the tires”, so to speak. If she doesn’t care for his offering, off they’ll go to the next location. If she does approve, then the nest building begins, accomplished almost solely by the female. After all, she’s going to be the one in there incubating those eggs – it’s got to be perfect!
And so it begins; the start of a wonderful backyard experience. Eastern Bluebirds typically have 2-3 broods each season, and there are anywhere from 2 to 8 eggs in the nest. Once the female deposits her eggs, the incubation period is about 2 weeks. When they hatch, the nestlings will hang out for another 2-3 weeks in the nest box while being fed by both mom and dad. They will both carry in food, typically insects, while carrying off and disposing of the baby birds’ fecal sacs. Bluebirds are very clean and tidy nesters. Again – they make great neighbors! If you’re lucky, the entire family may hang around for a time after the babies have fledged and are learning to fend for themselves. Mom and Dad are great teachers and will look after them closely until they’re able to strike out on their own.
The JCs Wildlife Peterson Bluebird House offers a non-traditional, wedge-shaped design. It has many benefits for Eastern Bluebirds!
Durable poly lumber construction means you house will last many years!
Our poly lumber material is guaranteed to never crack, spilt or fade due to weather exposure. It is also 5/8″ thick, for better insulation and protection. The built-in predator guard helps to protect the eggs & birds from would-be predators like raccoons and cats. The steep roof design of the Peterson house also protects the birds from predators, as well as scorching heat from the summer sun.
Your nest box is designed for easy maintenance and clean-out.
Rotate the turn button and swing the front panel downward to access the inside of the nest box. The unique design uses a slanted nest platform. Any water that would get inside can easily run off and out through the drain in the bottom of the box. There are also grooves, or “kerfs” etched into the inside of the front door. These assist the birds when exiting the nest.
The Peterson house can be either post or pole mounted.
Pictured here is the Peterson House mounted on a JCs Wildlife Universal Pole Kit. This kit includes a universal mounting bracket that will attach to the back of the house. Then the bracket will slide down onto the top of the pole. Bluebirds like open spaces in front of the nest box – a clear entry path, if you will. The box should be mounted 4′-6′ above the ground while facing away from prevailing winds and weather.
The Peterson Bluebird Box was developed by Richard Peterson some 30 years ago in Brooklyn Center, MN. It is common in Minnesota, but is catching on elsewhere.
The wedge design offers many benefits that traditional boxes do not. Since the entrance hole is situated at an angle under the roof overhang, rain is not as likely to get into the house. There are ventilation holes or gaps on both sides of the house under the roof, as well as at the bottom of the front panel. These gaps allow for ideal ventilation and airflow. Combine that with the thick, insulated framework, and the house is nicely climate-controlled for the birds.
Most bluebird houses have a round 1-1/2″ hole. This one has an oval-shaped entrance that is 2-1/4″ tall. This makes it easier for the adults to feed the babies in the box and remove the fecal sacs without having to fully enter the house.
As stated earlier, the front panel easily opens by rotating the turn button and swinging the door down. Once the baby bluebirds have fledged and you are 100% certain there are no more nest inhabitants, the box should be thoroughly cleaned out to make it ready for new guests.
Bluebirds, Bluebirds and more Bluebirds…
Mom and child perched on a Tulip Poplar branch.
My guess is that mom is watching out for an insect in the air or on the ground below her, while her son or daughter awaits their next catered meal. Watching bluebirds hunt for insects is an amazing thing. They will perch, watch, and wait patiently. When they spy their would-be prey, they will drop from their perch, grabbing the insect in mid-air or on the ground. Then quickly back up they go to feast or feed young. They put on quite a show!
A male enjoying a sunflower heart from a feeder.
Bluebirds are not typical feeder birds, as seeds do not comprise a large portion of their diet. But if you offer Sunflower Hearts in a feeder in your yard, they may very well find them and swoop in for a taste. Bluebirds swallow their food whole, so any nuts or seeds they eat will be out of the shell. Think portions no larger than pea-sized. Especially in the winter months when their main source of food is gone (insects), they will be more likely to eat from your feeders.
Mom & Dad checking out the mealworms in the glass jar feeder.
Many people offer their bluebirds mealworms, either live or dried – or both. Bluebirds will readily grab live mealworms from a dish-type feeder when offered. Care must be taken not to provide too many on a consistent basis as this could possibly make the birds dependent upon the resource you provide. When feeding live mealworms it is best to only put out 10-15 worms at a time. They do typically prefer the live ones over the dried. Think filet mignon vs. beef jerky.
Mr. Bluebird and his catch of the day!
This guy has found himself a juicy redworm. Both the male and female will feed the young in the nest box. If you’re lucky enough to get to see this, it is quite the sight. If the female is out searching for insects or worms, the male will diligently stand guard nearby. Anything that comes close to the nest box other than the female is prone to an aerial attack. Bluebirds are passionate about their families and will go to great lengths to keep them safe – and well-fed!
Product Dimensions : 17 x 8 x 10 inches; 7 Pounds
Item model number : PBBHBG
Date First Available : September 2, 2022
Manufacturer : JCs Wildlife
ASIN : B0BCXHHXCL
Unique design is perfect for post- or tree- mounting
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Proudly made in Southern Indiana
Sturdy design will last season after season