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Wisconsin, with its diverse habitats, is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity nesters. However, these birds are facing increasing challenges due to climate change and habitat loss. Read on to learn more why our WI bluebirds need our help and what we can do to ensure their survival and prosperity in Wisconsin.

What are the best Locations for a Bluebird Trail?

Location... Location... Location... Ideal sites: Short, sparse grass with interspersed trees Cemeteries Golf courses Parks Business park Bike trails Rail Road tracks
What are the best Perch Sites?

One or more trees (10’ ideal) within 100’ (preferably closer) to the front or to one side of nest box (most hunting starts on a perch and these trees are vital for use as survival perches when chicks first fledge) Fences (barbed, electric, wooden) Electrical wires (no more than 30’ high preferred), clothes lines Boxes should be totally exposed to sun-light from sunrise until noon; thereafter, shading is permissible Need a territorial forage area of 1-3 acres of predominantly open habitat Noisy sites okay (interstates, other roadways, railroads, temporary air shows, church picnics) Roadways with limited traffic can be ideal nest box sites and adults and young chicks are rarely killed by traffic.
What are the best Perch Sites?

One or more trees (10’ ideal) within 100’ (preferably closer) to the front or to one side of nest box (most hunting starts on a perch and these trees are vital for use as survival perches when chicks first fledge) Fences (barbed, electric, wooden) Electrical wires (no more than 30’ high preferred), clothes lines Boxes should be totally exposed to sun-light from sunrise until noon; thereafter, shading is permissible Need a territorial forage area of 1-3 acres of predominantly open habitat Noisy sites okay (interstates, other roadways, railroads, temporary air shows, church picnics) Roadways with limited traffic can be ideal nest box sites and adults and young chicks are rarely killed by traffic.
How close should the boxes be?

Space no closer than 100-200 yards (1-3 acre territories needed): encourages Tree Swallow occupation if boxes are placed closer than this. Pairing reduces bluebird and increases swallow production/box
When should you relocate the boxes?

Change the nest box position if there has been no bluebird nesting attempt in a season OR Change by the end of the following April (75-90% of nest boxes have been occupied by bluebirds by then) if no nesting has occurred by the end of April your 2nd nesting season, it is sign that your site is unappealing to bluebirds. But moving the to better nest sites still gives you a 50:50 chance of occupancy for the season.
What are the best Box Styles and Dimensions?

Box Style/Dimensions: In “the wild”, bluebirds prefer to occupy old woodpecker holes that are not usually very large or deep Shallow, narrow boxes work best: 4-5” below the bottom of the hole as maximum depth 4 x 4”, 4 x 5” nesting platform (inside dimensions) No vents or keep vents closed until June 1 to prevent wind chill from killing eggs and/or chicks. The summer of 2012 showed that high temperatures can kill chicks in nest boxes. But cold weather has still proven to be more damaging than heat. Since it is likely that the changing climate assures high summer temperatures in the future, we recommend monitors consider making their boxes “convertible” by dropping side doors in the summer and replacing them at the end of the season. For Peterson Boxes: Holes can be drilled at the top of one side and a piece of “lathe board” placed over them until June 1. A single or pair of screws can be used to seal the openings during spring. The main thing to do here is to produce air circulation to prevent heat buildup as in an attic. On the other hand, in the southwestern part of the state where black flies are a problem, screens should be placed over the openings to prevent ease of black fly entry. Oval hole small enough to keep out starlings & cowbirds Don’t use predator guards on box fronts ( Too thick for bluebirds) or perches on boxes (used by predator birds such as sparrows & kestrels). Instead, use a predator guard on your mounting post or make the mounting post your predator guard (3/4” electrical conduit preferred. See detailed plans.
In which direction should the boxes be?

Keep away from prevailing westerly winds (cools boxes) Use the same direction for all boxes. Cornell University has determined that directing the opening of a nest box to the north-east, east or southeast improves the fledging rate of Eastern Bluebirds in northern latitudes. Apparently, boxes pointed in that direction, heat up more quickly in the mornings in cold weather but do not collect as much heat from a southern exposure in summer.
What are the nest boxes recommended by BRAW?

BRAW recommends using nest boxes that have proven to be highly attractive to bluebirds. These boxes are: Shallow (4-5” from bottom of hole to nesting platform) Narrow (4” x 4” nesting platforms), have oval openings (1 3/8” x 2 ¼”) Are unvented (vents can be opened after June 1 in areas where black flies are not prevalent). Any box that meets these specifications is recommended by BRAW. Read more…

BRAWs Invest in Feathers Campaign

Investing in the conservation of bluebirds and other cavity nesters in Wisconsin is a vital step towards preserving our natural heritage.

These birds play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in plant pollination.

By supporting BRAW' 2025 INVEST CAMPAIGN you are directly contributing to the protection and restoration of these beautiful species and their habitats.

Your donations, no matter the size, help fund essential conservation efforts, including the installation and monitoring of nest boxes, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Every contribution makes a difference in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the vibrant presence of bluebirds in our environment.

Join us in our mission to protect these precious birds and invest in a healthier, more biodiverse Wisconsin.

Your support is invaluable, and together, we can make a lasting impact.

Donate Today

How You Can Help

There are several meaningful ways to contribute to the "Invest in Feathers" campaign.

You can make a one-time donation to provide immediate support for our conservation efforts.

Note: For ongoing impact, we should consider consider setting up a recurring donation, which helps us plan and sustain long-term projects.

We can also refine our in-design (by me) "honor the memory of a loved one with a memorial donation", ensuring their legacy supports the preservation of bluebirds.

Additionally, we can add a "celebrate the life of someone special with a celebration donation", Examples of celebrations may include marking birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones with a gift that makes a difference.

Our motto for this drive at the end of the info is: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us protect and restore the Eastern Bluebird population in Wisconsin.

Webpage Outline for "Invest in Feathers" Campaign

1Hero Section

Title: Invest in Feathers
Subtitle: Support Bluebird Conservation in Wisconsin
Call to Action: "Donate Now" button (linked to PayPal)

2. Introduction

Heading: Why Invest in Feathers?
Paragraph: We briefly explain the importance of bluebird conservation and how contributions make a difference.

3. Impact of Your Donation

Heading: Your Impact
Bullet Points:
- Installation and monitoring of nest boxes
- Educational programs and workshops
- Community outreach and engagement
- Research and conservation efforts

4. Success Stories

Heading: Success Stories
Paragraph: Share inspiring stories of how donations have positively impacted bluebird populations and habitats.
Images: Include photos of bluebirds, volunteers, and successful projects.

5. How to Donate

Heading: How You Can Help

There are several meaningful ways to contribute to the "Invest in Feathers" campaign.

We can have a few donation or contribution categories, including a one-time donation to provide immediate support for our conservation efforts.

Note: For ongoing impact, we should consider consider setting up a recurring donation, which helps us plan and sustain long-term projects.

We can also refine our in-design (by me) "honor the memory of a loved one with a memorial donation", ensuring their legacy supports the preservation of bluebirds.

Our motto for this drive at the end of the info is: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us protect and restore the Eastern Bluebird population in Wisconsin.

Paragraph: Explain the different ways to contribute, including one-time and recurring donations.
Call to Action: "Invest in Feathers" button (linked to PayPal)

6. Donation Form

Heading: Make a Donation
Form Fields:
- Name
- Email
- Donation Amount
- Payment Method (linked to PayPal)

7. Volunteer and Membership

Heading: Get Involved
Paragraph: Encourage visitors to volunteer or become members of BRAW.
Call to Action: "Join Us" button (linked to membership/volunteer page)

8. Contact Information

Heading: Contact Us
Paragraph: Provide contact details for any questions or further information.
Contact Form: Simple form for inquiries

9. Footer

Links: Quick links to other important pages (Home, About, Contact, etc.)
Social Media Icons: Links to BRAW's social media profiles

10. Other

I recommend that the Best Name for PayPal Button used to collect contributions:

"Invest in Feathers"

This name clearly communicates the purpose of the donation and aligns with the campaign's title, making it easy for donors to understand where their contributions are going.

Please review this outline and provide me with your initial feedback - - no holds barred - meaning tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly of this Funding Campaign to increase our savings and enable additional Programs and conservation efforts also am thinking about creating podcasts of some of our presentations as well as some of those given at our convention provided the presenter agrees (Vai a signed statement to protect us from unintentional oversight of any applicable "legal/copyright issues).

Ta ta for now!

Andy

How You Can Help

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Webpage Outline for "Invest in Feathers" Campaign