What Direction Should a Bluebird House Face?
Gather a group of bird-watchers and you will get a variety of opinions as to which direction the opening of a bluebird house should face. On the website "Bluebirds Forever," the author says there is no single compass direction, but in an article in "Birdscope," published by Cornell University, another author says bluebirds prefer houses facing--in order of preference--east, north, south and west.
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Considerations
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The question of direction does not necessarily mean compass direction, but rather the direction the house opening faces to afford safety, comfort and convenience after the bluebird pair mates.
Safety
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If placed along a highway, a bluebird house should open parallel to, or away from, the road so the birds will not be hit entering or leaving their nests. Also, the openings should face toward a tree or shrub within 100 feet so young bluebirds have a place of safety for their first flight.
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Convenience
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Bluebird houses should face open areas with few trees and low vegetation. This lets the birds see and capture insects.
Comfort
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Bluebirds will choose a house regardless of compass direction, but the opening should face away from prevailing winds that might blow rain into the house, and away from midday sun that would overheat the inside.
Significance
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Bluebirds will initially choose a house regardless of the direction it faces. If it is positioned incorrectly and later becomes unsatisfactory for them to live in, they may leave the house and abandon their eggs.
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