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ASH GROVE, Mo. – For people who live in a rural area, putting up a bluebird nesting box is a great way to entice Missouri’s state bird to take up residence close to home.
Individuals interested in building and putting up bluebird boxes should plan to attend the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Woodworking for Wildlife" on Jan. 20 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This free program will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Dalton Range is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61 near Ash Grove.
At this event, participants will build a bluebird house. MDC staff will explain how all the cuts to make a house can be made out of a single board. The program is for ages 18-up. People can register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/153456. People can get more information about upcoming events at the Dalton Range by calling 417-742-4361.
In the wild, bluebirds compete with starlings, house sparrows and other creatures for cavity nesting space. It’s thought this shortage of natural nesting space is one reason bluebirds readily accept appropriately placed man-made nest boxes.
Bluebird boxes work best in rural locations. Most urban settings are too crowded to attract bluebirds. Nest boxes should be placed in open grassy areas that have perching sites. Meadows, pastures or big yards that are not too heavily shaded are ideal. Perching locations can be in the form of fence lines, power lines or nearby trees.
Information about bluebirds and bluebird nest boxes can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.
