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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.

This page presents the current directory of BRAW's elected and appointed officers dfficers, committee chairpersons, and liaisons. Board of Directors, Chairs, & Liaisons Past Presidents Patrick Ready Joe Schultz Carol McDaniel Del Parkinson Tom Whalley Dick Nikolai Harvey Halvorsen Elected & Appointed Officers President: Steve Sample • (term to 12/26) Vice-President: Brad Branwell • (term to 12/ 26) Secretary: Gene Kroupa • (term to 12/26) Treasurer: Dan Schroeder • (term to 2 / 27) Director: Patrick Ready • (term to 12/27) Director: Steve Fallon • term to 12/26) Director: Dave Lucey • (term to 12/27) Director: Mary Sobol • (term to 12/27) Director: Mike Crawford • (term to 12/26) Director: Andy Garcia-Rivera • (term to 12/27) Director: Gail Smith • (term to 12/27) Director: Amy Harriman• (term to 12/26) Director: Sharon Johnson • (term to 12/26) Officers & Committee Chairpersons Data Collection Officer: Steve Fallon • (term to 12/26) County Contact Chair: Gene Birr • (term to 12/26) Funding: Joanie Haugen • (term to 12/26) WI Bluebird Editor: Patrick Ready • (term to 12/27) Membership: Valerie Van Winkle • (term to 12/25) Website: Andy Garcia-Rivera • (term to 12/27) BRAW Liaisons WIDNR - Liaison: Sumner Matteson WSO Liaison: Jennifer Wenzel Wisconsin Purple Martin Association: Les Rhine Madison Audubon: Brenna Marsicek

Browse archived issues of BRAW’s newsletter, featuring updates on bluebird conservation, trail monitoring, and member news. BOD Wisconsin Bluebird Newsletter Archive WB Newsletter Archive Current Edition Archive 2027 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2025 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2026 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2024 Spring S ummer Fall Winter 2023 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2022 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2021 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2020 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2019 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2018 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2017 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2016 Spring Summer Fall Winter

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