Protecting Bluebirds Nest From Predators

by Sue & Terry Meehan
(Varnville, SC, USA)

Keeping Sparrows Away From Our Bluebird Nest - Finally Got Eggs

We've had a bluebird house right outside our kitchen window for years. While we've had bluebirds visit and even start nesting, they never stayed long enough to lay eggs.

Every year, other birds would take over the nest before the bluebirds could settle in, leaving us frustrated and the bluebirds without a home.




This year was no different - at first. A pair of bluebirds began building a nest in the box, but just as they finished, house sparrows swooped in and tried to take over.

Watching this unfold from our window, we knew we had to intervene. My husband ran outside to help the male bluebird defend the nest.

Together, they managed to drive off the sparrows.

Though the sparrows had left, we were unsure if the bluebirds would return.

Weeks passed, and while we saw bluebirds occasionally visit the box, we couldn't tell if they were the same pair or new ones.

Fearing that the old nest might deter new tenants, we decided to open the box and remove it.

To our surprise and delight, inside were two perfect blue eggs! We carefully closed the box and watched from a distance.

The next morning, we spotted a blue blur leaving the box. Curiosity got the best of us, and we checked again - three blue eggs!

Determined to keep the eggs safe, we crafted a simple sparrow deterrent using an old tomato cage and strips of plastic bags.

While the bluebirds were hesitant about the contraption at first, they quickly adjusted.

The ‘sparrow spooker’ gave us peace of mind, knowing our bluebirds had a layer of protection from unwanted visitors.

On our last check the bluebirds had laid five beautiful eggs. We were so excited to finally see this little family thrive in our yard, and were hopeful for their safe hatching.

From Eggs to Fledglings: Watching the Bluebird Family Grow

A few weeks later, while sitting on the deck we heard the sound of tiny chirps coming from the bluebird house.

Peeking inside, we saw that all five eggs had hatched, and the nest was now bustling with activity.



We watched the parents worked tirelessly, taking turns flying back and forth with insects for their hungry little ones. It was incredible to watch their dedication up close.

The male bluebird, in particular, was quite the provider.

We'd spot him perched on a nearby branch with a caterpillar in his beak, carefully scanning the area before flying to the nest.

The female, on the other hand, seemed to focus on keeping the nestlings warm and protected.

As the days passed, the nestlings grew rapidly. Their faint chirps turned into demanding calls for food, and their soft down began to be replaced by vibrant feathers.

Both adults were feeding now.

We knew the day they'd leave the nest was approaching, and we eagerly anticipated what would come next.

Finally, one sunny morning, we witnessed the first fledgling take its leap. It fluttered awkwardly to the ground, where the parents immediately encouraged it to find a safe perch.

One by one, the others followed, until the nest was empty.

A Backyard Full of Bluebirds

For the next few days, our backyard became a training ground.

The parents led their young to our birdbath, showing them how to drink and even take their first splash.

It was heartwarming to see the fledglings hop around, exploring their new world under the watchful eyes of their parents.

We noticed that the male bluebird took on the role of teaching the fledglings to forage, while the female seemed to keep a lookout for any signs of danger.

The sparrow spooker stayed up as an extra layer of protection, ensuring that any bluebird family could enjoy their new home without interference.

Reflections on a Season with Bluebirds

Having bluebirds successfully raise a family in our yard has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.

We've learned so much about their behaviors, nesting habits, and how to protect them from predators like house sparrows.


It's given us a new appreciation for these beautiful birds and the effort it takes to help them thrive.