Nest Boxes & Bluebird Trails

Nestbox Construction

The Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society recommends the Dorrie nest box with the sloped roof. 12 of these boxes can be made from 1 sheet of 5/8 or 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood (probably spruce). We recommend painting or staining the outside of the box so it will weather longer. Shingles can be used on the roof. Lightly sand the nest hole to remove any rough edges. No ventilation holes are necessary, only the opening which should face south. We have included two pictures (click on pictures to view a larger image) of the Dorrie box using stove pipe baffel guards for predator protection. You can also grease your poles or use a cone guard.
The Peterson or Standard nest box can also be used.

Remember location and proper predator protection are the two keys to bluebird success.

All you need to know about proper nest box construction and maintaining a Bluebird Trail. Many thanks to Tom Kott for this information.

Nest Box Construction Notes
Nest Box Drawings & Plans:

The Standard Nest Building Instructions (PDF file)
The Standard Nest Box Plans (PDF file)
The Standard Nest Box Cutting Pattern (PDF file)
The Dorrie Nest Box Building Instructions (PDF file)
The Dorrie Nest Box Plans (PDF file)
The Dorrie Nest Box Cutting Pattern (PDF file)
The Peterson Type Nest Box - Sheet 1 of 2 (PDF file)
The Peterson Type Nest Box - Sheet 2 of 2 (PDF file)

Three examples of bluebird boxes. Middle box is a natural cavity box.

- Photo by John Millman

Well greased metal poles will deter climbing predators like raccons. Twinning of boxes may help to ensure that one box is available for Eastern Bluebirds.

- Photo by John Millman

(Click on photos for a larger image.)

Bluebird Trails

Here is all the information you need for setting up a trail, monitoring and avoiding predators. Many thanks to Don Wills for these articles.

Bluebird nest with 4 eggs.

- Photo by John Millman

Record keeping is an important aspect of Bluebirding.

- Photo by John Millman

2012 OEBS Nest Box Survey

One of the major objectives of the OEBS is to monitor long term reproductive success in Ontario's Eastern Bluebird population. We cannot do this unless you send in your nest box data on the form below with as much information as possible. If you are aware of others in your area that have nest boxes and who do not report, please either report for them or print the survey sheet to give to them.

Send to: Bill Read, 24 Brant Pl, Cambridge ON N1S 2V8

Ontario 2012 Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Survey (PDF file)

Ontario 2012 Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Survey (msWord file)