Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis

Pictures
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Bluebird on box Male Eastern Bluebird at entrance to nest box
Paired boxes Several of the next boxes are placed in pairs. The theory is that highly competitive birds, like Tree Swallows, will establish in one box. Swallows will protect the area from others of the same species, letting the Bluebird take the second box. This lets the Bluebird nest without having to directly defend the site.
Bluebird Nest Nest with eggs
Chick Chick having just been banded
Habitat Typical habitat for the Eastern Bluebird
Chick Capturing adults is done in one of two ways.

The first is to set up a mist net between the nest box and a favoured perch. A bright blue cloth is placed near the net to attract the birds' attention. A cassette player with a looped Bluebird song is also used.

The second method uses a soft foam ball attached to the end of fishing rod line. The ball is placed outside the entrance, with the line threaded through the box and out a vent hole. When an adult enters the nest box the line is realed in, forcing the ball against the entrance.

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