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One of the most exciting an rewarding experience of being a member is to take care of a Bluebird Trail. this page contains useful resources related to monitoring a trail. Links to printable trail monitoring forms are available here for recordkeeping. Monitoring A Trail Once your trail or boxes are up and ready, it is important to monitor them. This will allow the bluebirds to thrive in the best possible conditions. Blue birders are urged to monitor all nest boxes under their care on a weekly basis using monitoring forms. Monitoring Forms Form 20S Multiple Nest Box Weekly Field Record Monitor’s Short Form Form 22 Individual Nest Box Weekly Field Record EZ Form The Annual Bird Nesting Survey Summary EZ Form Frequently asked questions Where should you put the nest boxes to avoid predators? Do not put boxes on wooden fence or electrical posts. The cheapest and most convenient mounting system uses 3/4” electrical conduit. Cut 10’ conduit to 6’-8” lengths. Flatten 4” at end bury 18” of conduit. To the remaining 5’ conduit attach two 3/4” clamps and screw to box. Two 3/4” pieces can be joined with a coupler to make a 6’-8” post. See more… Racoons In the summer of 2012, Leif Marking and assistants videotaped raccoons climbing fence posts covered with PVC tubing. Previously, it was thought that such protected posts not be climbed by them. It was also thought that one detect raccoon predation raids by nesting materials being pulled from boxes. The Marking team found that raccoons remove eggs and pop them into their mouths like we do M & M’s without removing nesting materials. Numerous monitors ask me what causes the loss of eggs with the nest left perfectly intact. We must now suspect that many of these losses are due to raccoons. To prevent raids of your nest boxes by raccoons, two preventive measures are suggested:Use wool or a wire brush to smooth off oxidized PVC and/orSmear car wax paste on the post. House Sparrows House Sparrows are exotic, introduced species from Europe. They have no legal protection from the USFWS in North America. They have a strong, seed crushing beak that easily out-competes the slender/weaker insect-eating beak of other. The best way to prevent these pests from occupying your nest boxes is to keep them away from livestock (especially cattle) or homes with feeders using millet and/or cracked corn as these locations attract large numbers. But these pests can fly up to ½ mile to occupy a box, so considerable habitat is lost nest boxes unless another alternate is used. And the best alternative is a Van Ert trap (VanErt Sparrow traps: 22684 US 69, Leon, Iowa 50144, 641-446-6471, fvanert@grm. net, www.vanerttraps.com (cost is about $10 + S&H) Van Ert are easy to insert and highly effective when used properly. should be set only when the sparrow is building a nest or has already constructed one. Then, all nesting materials should be removed from the box (including eggs). Usually, the male is trapped and that is a good thing because he is the “enticer” of the female. Trapping a female is not as effective as the male will attract another female. Rarely, both are trapped together. Dispose of the sparrow, put a clear, plastic sack (held tight at the bottom) over the nest box. Open the door and the sparrow will fly out and can be penned against the side of the box and disposed of. In 60-75% of the time, only one trapping is necessary to clear up the nest box for protected songbirds. In two years of ALAS studies, almost 100% of boxes with removed sparrows have produced young from other songbirds, mainly bluebirds. The major problem faced by trapping sparrows is how long to leave the traps in place. I use two approaches: Set trap and return after monitoring the rest of my boxes or Set trap and return the next day. By that time, the sparrows are dead, but if you have trapped a swallow or bluebird, they will still be alive and can be released unharmed. My experience is this: “Leaving traps in nest boxes rarely leads to the deaths of accidentally trapped but protected songbirds, if the trap is left no longer than 12 hours”. See also this PDF made by a bluebird lover. Black Flies Black flies are a menace like no other to cavity nesting song-birds. In Wisconsin, blackflies are limited mainly to the south-drift less areas of the state. The counties there have many slow-moving but low-pollution streams that are ideal for of black flies. Female black flies are the real culprit of this insect. Like female mosquitoes, they are attracted by CO2 given off by incubating hens or immobile chicks and bite them for a blood meal. Females are driven off their eggs by the persistent biting of black flies but chicks can’t get away from black flies and are killed by dozens of black fly bites. Anyone who finds a brood of chicks killed by black flies will not soon forget it. But we now have a way to prevent black fly deaths: Use Permethrin-10 poultry insecticide. Dilute it to 0.50% concentration and place it into an aspirator bottle such as a “Windex Bottle”. When you find black flies around your nest box (swarms hover like a large fruit fly) use this protocol to prevent the hen from abandoning the nest box and the death of the chicks: Spray the opening and all cracks on the box, both inside and out If there are eggs in the nest, put a small, clear jar over the eggs and spray the nest thoroughly If there are chicks in the nest, make sure they are at least 3 days of age—mist thoroughly (spray does not harm the eyes) The 2nd week: Spray the hole and cracks on the outside of the box only, again plus the nest if the eggs have not hatched and spray the chicks for the 2nd and final time. If you recognize that black flies are being attracted to your boxes, you can almost eliminate black fly problems entirely, if you use these techniques. Woodpeckers Woodpeckers can cause great destruction to nest boxes as they use them as roost-sites in fall, winter and early spring. Hairy Woodpeckers occupy boxes the most followed by Downy Woodpeckers. We have tried to keep woodpeckers out of our boxes by placing thin wafers of aluminum or ¼” plastic over the damaged holes. Nothing has worked well as woodpeckers have the striking ability to “chisel” materials used to patch the damage. Heavier metal can be used, but is too costly to be useful for large trails. The only practical solution is to leave the boxes open in the winter to keep woodpeckers out (even then, they sometimes do damage). We use wire to keep the doors open as “good Samaritans” walking past boxes completely open, sometimes close them as an act of good will during the winter. Wires can be unwrapped and boxes closed on March 15 to accommodate early arriving bluebirds. These wires can also be used to keep lids open for a week after the first bluebird has fledged to increase the likelihood that the bluebird will produce a 2nd brood. Another advantage to keeping the boxes open during the winter is that chickadees and House Sparrows do not use the boxes for roost sites during the winter. This approach levels the playing field for bluebirds coming to nest in the early weeks of the season. Nest, Egg & Chick Removal for bluebirds, chickadees, Tree Swallows (1, 2, 3, 4) and House Wrens (4): What are the Procedures approved by USFWS in Dec., 2006" Partial or complete nests w/o eggs: 1st week; 2nd , 3rd weeks no change, then remove; restart week count if more building occurs; if wet, remove, replace with dry, fine grass or pine needles (white pine preferred). Touch eggs each week; if they are warm, they are being incubated; if they then turn cold, they have been abandoned and are dead; to test your judgment, remove a single egg and crack it open. If the egg is viable (has a moving embryo), leave the remaining eggs—but if the embryo does not move (= dead) or the egg is empty, remove cold eggs and nest. It is also possible for dead eggs to be incubated well after they should have hatched (up to four weeks), and are warm to the touch. Leaving eggs in a nest this long simply “robs” the nesting pair of precious time in the season when they could be rebuilding a productive nest. To prevent this problem, estimate the date for the last egg being laid (one egg is laid/day). Add 19 days to that date (14 for incubation; 5 for a delay in incubation) and when the monitoring date hits the 19 days or beyond, remove a single egg and repeat the procedure in #2). Chicks starving/lethargic: foster into nests with chicks of similar age, + or – 2 days [place with slightly younger, if possible]: 85% reared by adoptive parents in a 4-year study by the ALAS in central WI. House Wrens Only: If a partial nest of sticks is in your nest box the 1st week, remove them; the 2nd week, remove them and tape the opening. In two weeks, open the box and repeat. The 2nd taping should be left until the end of the season because no other species can nest in the box in the territory of a wren or you can choose to allow the wren to complete its nesting. If egg cup or eggs are found at any time, you should allow the natural cycle to continue. Kent Useful Resources Bluebird Chick Development The First 14 Days By Jack Bartholmai and Pat Ready Life Cycles Eastern Bluebirds Photos by Jack Bartholomai Tree Swallows Photos by Pat Ready and Jack Bartholmai Chickadees Photos by Pat Ready and Jack Bartholmai House Wren Photos by Pat Ready and Jack Bartholmai Nest Guide to Cavity Nesters Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, House Sparrow Species Identification of Cavity Nesters The Monitoring Program at Discovery Park, TN This short educational video provides an example of what a Bluebird Monitoring Program is all about.

BRAW is Wisconsin’s voice for bluebird conservation. Since 1994, it has collected and analyzed data on bluebird populations, sharing insights through workshops, meetings, and newsletters. BRAW aims to expand public knowledge and enthusiasm for Eastern Bluebirds, encouraging community efforts to aid cavity nesters. What We Do - Activities and Services BRAW’s volunteer and members generously donate thousands of hours annually to ensure that bluebirds and other cavity nesters survive and thrive in Wisconsin. WE CREATE AWARENESS ... ... of challenges faced by cavity nesting birds. In 1964 there were only an estimated 600 nesting bluebird pairs left in the state. The decline was most likely due to multiple factors, e.g., changing agricultural practices, competition with English sparrows and starlings, weather, lack of suitable nest cavities, and habitat loss. Each year BRAW members’ nest boxes alone fledge thousands of bluebirds, plus numerous tree swallows, chickadees and other birds. WE EDUCATE STATE RESIDENTS... ... about building, locating, maintaining and monitoring nest boxes. BRAW’s 900 members who maintain and monitor over 7,000 nest boxes throughout the state bring a wealth of experience to those wanting to learn how to do it. WE COORDINATE STATEWIDE CONSERVATION EFFORTS... ... geared to sustaining bluebird populations and creating habitat for all cavity nesters. BRAW’s County Contacts facilitate these efforts, plus serve as “go to” help sources. WE SERVE AS AN ONLINE RESOURCE... ... for organizations and individuals to obtain information about bluebirds. Our website www.BRAW.org supplies a wide array of useful resources. WE CONDUCT SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS... ... to promote building, monitoring and maintaining nest box trails. From garden expos to seed store seminars to school workshops, BRAW members spend hours in face-to-face contact with the public. WE KEEP OUR MEMBERS INFORMED... ... via a quarterly newsletter Wisconsin Bluebird, social media, emails, and an Annual Convention that features informative speakers. Networking focuses on sharing best practices for nesting success and practical experience. WE SPEAK for BIRDS... ...While not lobbyists, its officers and Board of Directors publicly voice BRAW’s opinion about issues that impact birds, especially cavity nesters. For example, with help from the North American Bluebird Society and elected representatives, BRAW was able to get Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) properties in Wisconsin opened for erecting bluebird nest boxes. WE SUPPORT RESEARCH... ... BRAW provides funds for field research that helps improve nest box design, as well as refines management tools to increase fledgling production. Current studies have looked at use of wren guards and skylight next boxes to discourage House Sparrows. You can help Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters by becoming a member of BRAW. learn more about our memberships Rev.7.27.24/gk

Introducing BRAW's 2023 Recognition Award Recipients As another year comes to a close, BRAW pauses to recognize the contributions of those who have made special efforts on behalf of bluebirds, the environment and the organization. “I’m always amazed at the dedication exhibited by these individuals to the restoration of the Eastern Bluebird and protection of our environment,” said President Steve Sample. RECOGNITION AWARD CATEGORIES Carol McDaniel Bluebird Lifetime Achievement Educator of the Year Communicator of the Year Bluebirders of the Year Facilitator of the Year Each award recipient received an elegant glass plaque with a blue scuplted base engraved with their name and award category. To learn more about this year's award winners please read on. Carol McDaniel Bluebird Award Sue Cashman Sue Cashman, of Darlington, received the 2023 Carol McDaniel Bluebird Award. According to BRAW President Steve Sample, “the purpose of the award is to recognize persons who have demonstrated a strong dedication to the restoration of the Eastern Bluebird.” The retired teacher recalled that when growing up “my mother loved birds. There also were other folks who shared their interest in birds, especially from a science view.” Cashman is known for her efforts to help bluebirds through the Lafayette County Bluebird Society and the Bluebird Nest Nature Center store in Darlington. Carol McDaniel and Cashman shared both a friendship and an interest in bluebirds. “Carol would visit some of my classes to teach about the Eastern Bluebird,” explained Cashman. Upon her passing, the McDaniel family donated a sum to BRAW which was used to create the Carol McDaniel Legacy Fund. “It is fitting that Sue Cashman is the first recipient of this award to honor Carol McDaniel, who was not only a past president of BRAW, but also of the North American Bluebird Society,” added Sample. Cashman suggested that folks can carry on McDaniel’s legacy “by seeking support from elected officials for legislation that helps birds.” Nominations of current BRAW members for this award are open through August 1, 2024. Check our website www.braw.org for details and an application form. Lifetime Achievement Award Fred & Mary Craig Fred and Mary Craig, of Holmen, received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Fred was also honored with Board of Directors Emeritus status. They were recognized for their work in designing better bluebird houses, conducting field research to improve box management, doing public education and monitoring trails. In announcing the award, President Steve Sample noted that their effort was “a together project from day one.” There was a time when the couple checked more than 100 boxes outside of Holmen, as far north as Merrick and Perrot State Parks, and then south of La Crosse in Timber Coulee country. It would take two days to monitor the boxes. “In a typical year, bluebirds using our boxes would produce over 700 fledglings,” said Fred. “They would also annually average another 60 or so Black-capped Chickadees, Tree Swallows and other cavity nester fledglings,” added Mary. Both were a familiar sight on the Brice Prairie Conservation Area. “We enjoyed meeting new BPCA members and introducing them to bluebird monitoring,” said Mary. “It is heartwarming to get a smile from property owners when they see their first nest full of eggs.” As for the future, both agreed that: “We need to encourage more families to get outdoors and connect with the bluebird population. It definitely is a rewarding hobby.” Educator of the Year Award Paul Noeldner, of Maple Bluff, received the 2023 Educator of the Year Award. According to BRAW President Steve Sample, “Noeldner has led bird education efforts through Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature workshops and Bird Buddies programs to establish bluebird box trails. Interest in birds started at a young age. Noeldner said “as a young farm kid I used my little binoculars to identify different species of birds. Later on, as a student at UW-Madison, I learned about doing field research and the power of data in understanding our environment.” Now, Noeldner shares his expertise by helping put on “Learn to Make a Bluebird Box” workshops. “Our Madison FUN partner groups and Bird Buddies team are key to educating the public,” he explained. According to Noeldner, “The Madison Parks Department, Badgerland Bird Alliance, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Wild Warner, BRAW and Friends of UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve help support bluebird trails and educational outings.” Noeldner feels that humankind can help birds by “connecting with environmental and conservation groups to support ethical actions on birds’ behalf.” In accepting his award, Noeldner noted that "he was especially grateful for help from wife Barbara and monitors, plus BRAW members Pat Ready and Stephen Lang." Paul Noeldner Communicator of the Year Dan Small, of Westby, received the 2023 Communicator of the Year Award. The long-time host of Outdoor Wisconsin on Milwaukee PBS and PBS Wisconsin, and contributing editor for the Wisconsin Outdoor News, was cited for being an “important and significant environmental spokesperson for Wisconsin.” According to BRAW president Steve Sample, Small has “worked to educate the public about the state’s many plant, insect and animal species, including the Eastern Bluebird.” In reflecting on his contributions, Small noted: “Throughout my 50-year career, I have encouraged viewers, listeners and readers to learn about the interconnections between birds and other wildlife, and their dependence on a healthy, diverse environment. We need to consider our role as participants in the natural world and as its stewards.” Small’s interest in birds began on family camping trips. “Those experiences helped me understand the complexity of our natural world and led me to a career communicating about its wonders and the many activities that can bring us closer to wild things.” To help birds now and in the future, Small suggests “becoming more aware of the impacts our actions have on nature and preserving natural travel routes used by migrating birds to provide food and safe resting areas.” Dan Small Bluebirders of the Year Dale and Doris Moody, of De Forest, received the 2023 Bluebirders of the Year Award. They were cited for their efforts in helping restore the Eastern Bluebird population of Wisconsin by working with individuals and groups. Together they monitor 89 nest boxes on trails in Iowa and Lafayette counties. Since 2001 bluebird pairs using those boxes have produced nearly 6,000 fledglings. During their travels to other countries, they’ve observed that “nowhere else is there so much focus on bird migration, habitat and protection as in the U.S.” As far as how humankind can help birds, the Moody’s agreed that: “We need to protect habitat, conduct research into bird viruses, and educate people about the importance of birds in nature’s cycle of life.” Dale & Doris Moody Lifetime Achievement Ralph Konrath, of East Troy, received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Konrath, age 90, was cited for tirelessly promoting bluebird awareness over the years. This year he put up and monitored a pair of successful nest boxes in the Oak Grove Cemetery near the entrance to Old World Wisconsin in Eagle Township. The retired Big Cat House and Bird Building employee of the Milwaukee County Zoo at one time monitored three dozen nest boxes at the Whitnall Park Golf Course, plus another 70 in Adams County. Konrath’s interest in birds started eight decades ago. “My grandmother taught me how to monitor bluebird houses,” said Konrath. “She also showed me how to discourage invasive species like house sparrows and starlings.” Growing up on a farm eventually led Konrath to become involved with taking care of animals and birds as a profession. In retirement, he focused on pigeon racing. His main concern now is “that people take care of the environment for all plants and wildlife.” Ralph Konrath Facilitator of the Year Curt Caslavka, of Middleton, received the 2023 Facilitator of the Year Award. He was recognized for his work in increasing prairie habitat for birds. Additionally, President Steve Sample pointed to Caslavka’s efforts at Pope Farm Conservancy and Goose Pond Sanctuary to educate the public about the environment and birds. Growing up in a rural community with nearby natural areas to explore, Caslavka had an interest in wildlife early in his life that later led to seeking a degree in Biological Sciences. While on the academic staff of the UW-Madison, he helped create the Biocore Prairie at the Lake Shore Nature Preserve. “Preserving existing wildlife sanctuaries and creating new habitat are the keys to helping birds retain their population numbers,” observes Caslavka. One thing he believes humankind can do now and in the future is “volunteer time and provide financial support to organizations that protect habitat and the environment for birds.” Curt Caslavka

Fall trail wrap-up tasks including nest box cleaning, data reporting, and habitat prep.

View archived membership application forms and instructions. Includes online and mail-in options for joining BRAW and supporting bluebird conservation. New Membership Application/Contribution Form Fields marked with an * are required Last Name and/or Corporate Name First Name Address 1 Address 2 City State Zip / Post Code Email County of Residence Subscription/Membership contribution Online Gift Membership - $10 USD Student Annual Membership (Online) - $15 USD Online Annual Membership - $20 USD Extend Online Annual Membership for 2 years - $40 USD Extend Online Annual Membership for 3 years - $60 USD Individual/Family Annual Membership (hard copy mailed) - $25 USD Extend Individual/Family Annual Membership (hard copy mailed) for 2 years - $50 USD Extend Individual/Family Annual Membership (hard copy mailed) for 3 years - $75 USD Corporate Annual Membership - $100 USD Life Membership - $300 USD Donation for educational research (Master's thesis) $ In addition to my membership contribution, I wish to contribute (nest boxes, new trails) $ amount Nature of the Subscription * This is a RENEWAL. This is a NEW subscription. This is a GIFT subscription. NOTE(S) If it is a Membership gift to someone else, enter Last Name, Address and Email of the receiver of the gift Submit Fill-In Instructions STEP ONE Fill in Application Form Review your entries Click SUBMIT button STEP TWO Fill-in the Payment Page Select your mode of payment By Mail or Online you want (Check by mail or online payment) and the kind of amount you entered in the previous page form. You click ADD TO CART. and you are sent to the PayPal page where you can use PayPal or your Credit Card to pay your membership or your contribution. If you mentioned in the Membership Form that you want to pay your membership and a donation/contribution, you have to go back a second time to the PayPal page and click on the Contribution or Donation Add to Cart. Did any of your membership Information change since last year, including your email address ? Existing Members Start Here If any part of your information changed since last year, two steps are necessary. First you fill in the form below. Then you click SUBMIT. A new page appears, the PAYMENT page . You choose the mode of payment you want (Check by mail or online payment) and the kind of amount you entered in the previous page form. You click ADD TO CART. and you are sent to the PayPal page where you can use PayPal or your Credit Card to pay your membership or your contribution. If you mentioned in the Membership Form that you want to pay your membership and a donation/contribution, you have to go back a second time to the PayPal page and click on the Contribution or Donation Add to Cart. Please Note If you pay a subscription for someone else, include all the following: First Name, Last Name, Address, Email, County of residence, Gift, etc. of the person receiving this gift in the NOTE(S) box of the form.

Find answers to common questions about bluebird trails, nest boxes, monitoring tips, and seasonal care. BRAW’s FAQ page helps new and experienced monitors get started. Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin " Bringing bluebirds back to Wisconsin since 1986." HOME BB FAQ's Memberships Bluebird Resources Eastern Bluebirds 101 County Contacts Newsletter BRAW Forms Portal 2023 Recognition Awards BRAWBOD To Do Lists Contact Us In Memoriam More Frequently Asked Questions 01 When do bluebirds start arriving in the spring? While some bluebirds overwinter in Wisconsin, most migrate south in the fall. Bluebirds arrive as soon as early March in Wisconsin, depending on the weather and remaining snow cover. By late March most bluebirds have returned, and nesting begins in early April. 02 What is the typical nesting cycle for bluebirds? Bluebird nests are made of fine grasses or soft white pine needles woven into a neat nesting cup just 3 or 4 inches wide and up to 3" deep, made by the female taking 1 to 7 days. Bluebirds lay normally 4 to 6 light blue eggs, smaller and lighter color than their cousin, the Robin. They lay one egg per day, then begin incubating so that they all hatch together, usually in 13 or 14 days. The young hatchlings grow and remain in the nest for 17 to 20 days, depending on the food supply and brood size, till they leave the nest as fledglings. Thus, the entire process of raising a bluebird brood takes about 6 weeks; then a week or two later the hen may nest again in the same box, especially if the old nest is removed. 03 What do bluebirds eat? Bluebirds live mostly on insects during the warm months when insects are common and active, including caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers and spiders. They hunt for these ground insects by perching on tree branches, posts and wires and then flying down to capture them. In early spring and fall when insects are scarce, they switch to eating the fruits and berries of many plants, including wild grapes, Virginia creeper, bittersweet, viburnum, hawthorn, crab apples and sumac. 04 Who can help me get a nest box trail established? Asking any known Bluebirder, contacting BRAW, and seeking the help from a Wisconsin County Contact (CC) is the first place to start. Most CCs can provide advice for locating boxes, assist in building or providing boxes, and show how to monitor boxes. They might also be able to help with the cost of setting up a trail. There are trails available for a new monitor to take over from a retiring veteran. 05 Which nest box design is best? The most recommended nest box is the NABS-style, which has an oval-hole preferred and a nesting cavity not larger than 4" by 5", with the hole 4" to 6" from the floor, and a side-opening door that swings downward. Other boxes that have most of these features and have been proven to be highly effective in producing bluebirds are the Peterson box, the Simple box, and the Troyer Slot Box. Peterson Box The Peterson nest box is a classic and highly successful design. It features a slanted front, which sets the angle for the birdhouse. The entrance hole is crucial for attracting bluebirds: 1-1/2" diameter for eastern bluebirds and 1-9/16" diameter for western bluebirds. These dimensions prevent larger and more aggressive species like starlings or sparrows from taking over the nest1. Here are some key features of the Peterson nest box: Insulated Design: The 2x4 inner roof, back, and floor help insulate the box. Effective Placement: Placing bluebird houses by late winter ensures that bluebirds can nest in early spring. Easy Assembly: The Peterson box is straightforward to build from cedar, redwood, or pine. Regular Maintenance: Periodic cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy nesting environment. Simple Nest Box A simple nest box that is suitable for small cavity nesting birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, House Wrens, Black-capped Chickadee, etc. Some key features to consider when building a simple wood nest box for these small birds: Entry Hole Size: The entry hole should be approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows bluebirds to enter while keeping out larger, unwanted species. Dimensions: The nest box should have dimensions of at least 9 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (though larger is better). A spacious interior provides a comfortable nesting space. Good Drainage: Ensure that the box has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation inside. Good Ventilation: Adequate ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity within the nest box. Monitoring Features: Consider adding features that allow easy monitoring, such as a hinged roof or a side panel that opens. Protection: Protect the nest box from predators by placing it away from easy access points for squirrels, raccoons, and other animals. Troyer Slot Box The Troyer Slot Box is designed to be sparrow-resistant and is approved by the North American Bluebird Society. Some of its features include: A slanted front design. A smaller “cupped” nesting cavity. A horizontal-slot entrance. It opens easily for monitoring and cleaning. Research indicates that it is rarely used by house. Unlike traditional round holes, this design deters sparrows from entering. The slot allows sunlight to filter in, which sparrows dislike, as they prefer dark cavities. To see building plan for the Troyer Slot Nest Box, open this document. --> Troyer Slot Box.pdf (nabluebirdsociety.org) Three designed plans for birdhouse plans for Eastern Bluebirds available HERE. Skylight Nest Boxes Boxes with plastic skylight roof openings have proven to somewhat discourage House Sparrows. However, they have not been proven to reliably attract nesting bluebirds, although Tree Swallows do readily accept them. 06 Which way should nest box openings face? The open hole should face east, south or southeast to allow as much early morning sunlight to warm up the box, and limit the cold, wet north and west winds in early spring. 07 Do I need to put predator guards on my nest boxes? Absolutely! Either a Noel wire guard or the Lucey Improved Predator guard with landing strip will keep racoons, opossums, cats, hawks, and owls away from eggs and chicks. 08 Locating Nest Boxes. What is a good location for a nest box? 10. What is a good location for a nest box? Boxes should be set up in open, short grass areas within 20’ to 50' from a tree, post, or fence wire so the nesting couple can perch to look out for predators before entering the box, hunt for insects, and so the young have a place to land safely when they fledge. Keep away from houses, feedlots, farmyards or other places with House Sparrows, starlings, and wrens present.Locating Nest Boxes What is a good location for a nest bBoxes should be set up in open, short grass areas within 20’ to 50' from a tree, post, or fence wire so the nesting couple can perch to look out for predators before entering the box, hunt for insects, and so the young have a place to land safely when they fledge. Keep away from houses, feedlots, farmyards or other places with House Sparrows, starlings, and wrens present. 09 Why can’t I attract bluebirds to my backyard nest box? Bluebirds need as much as 1 or 2 acres of short, sparse grass habitat to have enough territory to find the food necessary to raise a brood of 4 to 6 chicks. If the neighboring property and yours are too wooded, brushy, or located close to farms and folks feeding cheap bird seed, they may sense that your yard has too many predators and competitors nearby. 10 Monitoring & Management - How often should I check my nest boxes? Boxes should be checked (monitored) at least once in 7 to 10 days to see what is happening inside and to catch and correct any problem arising. Things to do when checking the nest box: Record if a nest is present and what degree of it is completed. Count the eggs and determine what species is using the box. Later on... Estimate when the last egg was laid, when they may hatch and when the young will fledge or have fledged. 11 Will bluebirds attempt a second or third nesting? Will bluebirds attempt a second or third nestingYes, that is why it important to clean out nest boxes as soon as the first hatch fledglings have left the nest. Likewise, remove abandoned first nests that have infertile eggs or dead chicks in them. 12 How can I report nesting results? How can I report nesting resultsGo to www.braw.org under “forms” to obtain a printable form for keeping track of nesting events during the season (Field Activity Collection Forms). Submit results by September 30th, do this using one of our Nest Box Data Report Form. Both forms are found under forms. T Two nest box data report forms are available: 1) print -to-mail formm adn 2) an online form form options 13 Dealing with Pests & Predators - How can I safely get rid of ants, blowflies and black flies? ANTS: If a nest of young is infested badly with ants, it may be necessary to move the chicks into a new nest you make from dried grass or needles, or into an unused nest you've saved. Remove any ants that remain in the nest or box, then sprinkle a tablespoon of cinnamon on the floor of the box, and some more around the pole at the ground to deter them from crawling up the post. Replace new nest and nestlings. One Bluebirder used this technique successfully 5 times in the last 3 years, saving every chick that had survived the initial ant infestation. Diatomaceous earth is another good ant deterrent. BLOWFLY: The larvae of the blowfly are small, 3/8-inch long, gray maggots that feed on the underbelly of a chick drawing blood, then hide on the bottom of the nest. When there are many of them present, they can kill the young birds. To check for them, when the young are from 7 to 12 days old, place a paint scraper under the nest and lift it gently to look for them, and then scrape them out of the box. BLACKFLIES: Permethrin spray used on human clothing (not on skin) kills ticks, but also works well for blackflies bothering bluebirds. Spray the outside of the nest box and pole. Cover chicks with a jar or plastic container if nest is occupied. 14 How do you deal with wrens in nest boxes? How do you deal with wrens in nest boxes?House wrens can be limited by locating boxes away from wooded and brushy areas. If they destroy eggs in a bluebird nest, there is little that can be done about it as they are protected as a native songbird. However, recent research has shown wren guards can protect bluebird eggs but must be employed as soon as the first egg is laid. Check out www.braw.org for more information about wren guards. To prevent wrens from nesting in a box after the first brood of bluebirds has left, the box and door can be left open for a week or two so that the wren avoids it, and then closed later so that the hen bluebird can nest again. When you find a few sticks in the box, it may be a male's dummy nest made to protect his territory, or the beginning of a nest. Leave them in the first week and if there is no additional nesting or a nest cup, remove it in the second week. After that you must let nature take its course as it is unlawful to destroy the nest, eggs, or young of any native songbird. 15 Do Van Ert traps kill birds? Traps do not kill birds; they merely contain the bird in the box so it can be captured in a clear plastic bag by placing it over the box and then opening the door. When a native songbird is mistakenly caught, it should be immediately released. Van Ert traps should be checked within an hour of installing one. 16 What should I do with trapped House Sparrows? Once in the bag, the bird can be killed as House Sparrows are an invasive, nuisance species and thus not protected by federal law. For those who choose not to destroy sparrows, the use of a Skylight box should be considered. This box has a 3" hole in the roof covered with plexiglass. The extra daylight in the nesting cavity has been shown to prevent sparrows from using them by 90%. 17 What clues might help me determine the cause of nest predation? A raccoon attack is the most common form of predation of a bluebird nest box. If all or most eggs are missing or nesting material is disturbed or pulled out the hole, look for scratches on all sides of the box or muddy claw prints on the pole. When eggs are broken, or chicks are found dead in the box that is most likely the work of House Sparrows. When eggs have been pecked open and are lying on the ground that is likely the work of wrens, although wren and sparrow damage can be confused. Tree swallows can do similar damage to other eggs. Often waiting to find what bird is nesting in the box next week is the only way to determine which likely did the damage the week before. When there is no sign or clue as to what happened when eggs have disappeared, that may be the result of snakes or vandals raiding the nest. 18 How do I prevent predation? Every nest box should be installed on a smooth metal pole, such as ¾-inch metal conduit, to limit raccoons, cats and snakes from climbing the pole and raiding the nest. A second level of protection should include a wire-cage Noel Guard or Lucey Improved Predator Guard mounted on the face of the box, or a stovepipe or PVC baffle mounted on the pole, 6" beneath the box. 19 How can I prevent woodpeckers from enlarging the nest box opening? Removing boxes for the winter or leaving the box open are the best ways to limit damage to the hole as that is when woodpeckers are enlarging it trying to enter a roosting cavity. Placing a metal guard around the hole can prevent woodpecker and squirrel damage. Plus, using one can repair the damage and re-size the hole to prevent starlings and cowbirds from entering the box. 20 Resources - What does BRAW do? The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin, founded in 1986, is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society (NABS) founded by Dr. Lawrence Zeleny in 1978. Our mission is to increase the population of the Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting songbirds through a coordinated, statewide nest box siting, installation, and monitoring program. This is done with active persons serving as County Contacts and others who give workshops and presentations answering any questions, plus offering help providing nest boxes and assistance in establishing bluebird trails for anyone showing interest in monitoring one. 21 Where can I get more information about bluebirds? BRAW has an Information Packet with lots of helpful items that is provided free to new members Also, check its website: www.braw.org. The North American Bluebird Society (www.nabluebird.org) lists every one of 60 state affiliates and offers fact sheets about many bluebird issues, and www.bluebirdconservation.com which has excellent videos on predator and sparrow control. Other good sources are www.birds.cornell.edu and www.Sialis.org which have many useful materials. Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us Site Map Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin BRAW, Inc. PO Box 628492 Middleton, WI 53562 © 2006 - 2024 BRAW, Inc.

ONLINE MEMBERSHIP FORM Use This Form to: Apply for Membership Renew Membership Give A Gift Membership Form Filling Instructions 1. Fill-in the form below if you plan to apply, renew, or gift a BRAW Membership, and pay online. 2. Fill-in the contact information blanks 3. When done - review entries, then if OK click SUBMIT, and wait a second for payment page to appear. 4. Please answer all questions on payment page by using black arrow at end of response box. 5. Click to pay using your credit card or PayPal. Buy Now Part 1- Provide Your Contact Information Fields marked with an * are required. First Name Last Name Street Address City State Zip / Post Code County Email Phone Number Part 2 - Membership Preference Use Checkbox to Select Desired Membership * Required Gift Annual Membership (Online subscription is emailed to your gift recipient) - $10 USD Student/Teacher Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $15 USD Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $20 USD 2 Year Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $ 40 USD 3 Year Annual Membership (Online (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $60 USD Individual or FamilyMembership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - 25 USD 2 Year Individual or Family Membership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $50 USD 3 Year Individual or Family Membership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $75 USD Life Membership - $300 USD Part 3 - Identify Membership Type Note: You cannot gift yourself a membership. Nature of the Membership * Required This is a RENEWAL Membership. This is a NEW Membership. This is a GIFT Membership. Enter name, address, and email of gift recipient. Use this space to enter a message to gift recipient. Submit Form Your submission content has been received. Thank you! Pay using the membership registration payment page pops-up. Whoops! Something went wrong! Give it another try a little later! Revised 3.21.24.agr

Read articles and insights about bluebird behavior, nest box care, trail monitoring, and seasonal tips. BRAW provides expert guidance for new and experienced monitors. Bluebird Articles Feeding Bluebirds in Your Back Yard Fend Off Parasites Full Story Journal of Applied Ecology, Univ. of Connecticut Sarah Knutie Assistant Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ten Ways to Attract and Help Bluebirds in Wisconsin Full Story Posted with Author's Permission: Jennifer Rude Klett Special to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel WI's Bluebird Comeback: Beautiful native bird is thriving with human help Full Story Posted with Author's Permission: Jennifer Rude Klett Special to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bluebird Symbolism & Meaning (+ Totem, Spirit, & Omens) Full Story Garth C. Clifford Writer & Photographer 15 Eastern Bluebird Facts You Didn’t Know Full Story Garth C. Clifford Writer & Photographer Why Do Female Birds Sing? Full Story Mary Bates, Ph.D . Science Writer, Psychology Today

Protecting Wisconsin’s bluebirds through habitat restoration, education, and community science. Join BRAW and support native bird conservation statewide. Bluebird Season Is in Full Swing Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Wrens, and Chickadees are actively nesting across Wisconsin, and nest boxes are full of life. This is the heart of the season — a time to check your trail regularly, keep boxes safe, and support healthy fledging all summer long. Weekly Monitoring (April - August) Check each box once a week Record nests, eggs, hatchlings, and fledglings Remove House Sparrow nests immediately Clean out used nests after fledging Monitoring Forms Keep Boxes Safe & Working Tighten screws and repair any damage Make sure predator guards are secure Confirm boxes still face East or Northeast Keep track of nest activity — record nests, eggs, broods, and fledging progress each week Button: Nest Box Maintenance Nest Box Maintenance Identify Species Nests & Learn nest types for bluebirds, swallows, wrens, and chickadees Recognize eggs and chick stages Understand which species are native cavity nesters Learn More Stay Connected Contact your County Coordinator with questions Share updates and fledging success Report totals at the end of the season County Contacts Information Packet Number 6 A practical guide to attracting Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity‑nesting birds. Includes a visual guide to identify, eggs, nests, the young chicks, nest box plans and placement, and much more. The packet serve's as a hands-on reference for anyone interested successful bluebird conservation in a backyard or on a bluebird trail. Download Packet

Download MAIL-IN Nesting Report Form Online Nesting Report Form Fields marked with an * are required. Select Today's Date * required Last Name Address State County Zip Code First Name City Email Phone # of Boxes # Boxes Used by Bluebirds # Bluebird Eggs Laid # Bluebird Eggs Hatched # Bluebird Chicks Fledged # Chickadees Fledged # House Wrens Fledged # Tree Swallows Fledged # Boxes Used by House Sparrows Did you disturb any Chickadee, Tree Swallows or House Wren nests? * Yes No Are you a BRAW Member? * Yes No Comments Submit Form Your 2025 Nesting Report Form has been received . Thank you for submitting! An error occurred. Recheck form field entries. Ensure all required fields have been filled and resubmit form.

Key summer tasks for bluebird trail upkeep, nest box checks, and fledgling support.

A checklist of spring tasks for bluebird trail setup, maintenance, and monitoring.