Male bluebird feeding a female bluebird - photo courtesy of Dave Kinneer

The Michigan Bluebird Society is a group of individuals dedicated to helping bluebirds and other cavity nesting bird species in the state of Michigan. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society. 

Why There is a Need to Help Bluebirds and What You Can Do

Because of habitat loss, environmental pollution, and competition of non-native bird species (House Sparrows and European Starlings), bluebirds have suffered large declines compared to their original numbers. However, bluebirds have been shown to thrive in areas where there is human-provided housing that is actively monitored. As a result, through the efforts of many people, bluebirds have increased in numbers in the last 10 years.  Putting up a nest box is the easiest and most important thing you can do.  Not only are you helping bluebirds to populate, but watching a pair of adults build a nest, lay eggs, and feed their young is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you will ever experience.  Just ask any bluebird landlord - you'll be hooked and changed forever!

The Michigan Bluebird Society is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society.

 Video:  Learn How To Become A Bluebird Landlord in 8 Minutes  

Michigan Bluebird News......

Spring Nesting Season Is Here!

After a record-warmth March, Michigan weather has settled into a more normal cool and wet pattern in April.  Fortunately, bluebirds seem to be sticking to their normal nesting schedule.  Right now, we're getting lots of reports of bluebird nests with eggs, and even a couple with hatched young.  This is pretty much right on schedule for bluebirds in Michigan. 

Make sure to check your nesting boxes regularly to see what birds may be nesting in them.  Sparrow nests are easy to spot and should be removed.  Look for a jumbled mess of twigs, grass, feathers, and bits of plastic that fill up most of the box.  They should be removed immediately to prevent the sparrow from nesting. 

You may also see Tree Swallow nests.  They are similar to bluebird nests (see the photo on the right), except the eggs are white and the nest often contains feathers as a lining.  Usually though, Tree Swallows start nest building and egg-laying in May due to the colder weather in this state.

If you see a nest made of grass, moss, lichens, and animal hair, it may be a chickadee nest.  Their eggs are smaller than bluebirds however and are whitish with brown specks. 

Finally, be aware of House Wrens which usually arrive in early May.  They are very aggressive and can build multiple nests in any nesting box in their territory including bluebird ones.  They can also destroy bluebird eggs and even remove hatchlings from the box.  Dummy wren nests (ones without eggs or a nest lining) can be removed from the box.  But, if they persistently keep building nests in the bluebird house, consider moving the box away from any dense cover and more in the open. 

Please don't hesitate to contact MBS with any questions or problems you might have.  We are available to assist you in your birding efforts.  To find a County Coordinator near you or for a general contact at the MBS, please go to Contact Us.

Your friends at the Michigan Bluebird Society