Bluebird, Bat, and Butterfly Houses
An Eagle Scout project was started in 2010 to learn about bluebird habitat. Construction of bluebird trails on Tolland Conservation Properties started with the building of 5 houses that were placed on the Campbell Peaceful Valley Conservation area. More houses were built and sold at the Tolland Farmer’s Market by the Boy Scouts. With the proceeds from the sales of those houses and wood donated by the Connecticut DEEP, bluebird houses were constructed for placement on more conservation properties. 8 houses were placed on the Campbell Peaceful Valley Conservation Area, 19 on the Sage Meadow Conservation Area, and 5 on the the King Riverside Conservation Area during the Spring of 2011. The bluebird trails benefit not only the wildlife in the area, but also add to the enjoyment of hikers. As you hike, please notice the houses and their inhabitants from a distance. Do not disturb the birds and their homes. Join the Conservation Commission and the Boy Scouts in support of this excellent project which seeks an increase in the bluebird population in our town.
Bluebirds prefer fields or meadow to find insects to feed on, but also like the protection that brush and trees provide along the edge. Ideally there would be a nearby water supply for the birds, such as a pond or brook. The house needs to be 4-5’ off the ground and placed so that it would be facing in a direction so minimal wind and sun would be at its entrance. Houses needed to be approximately 100 feet apart due to the territorial nature of bluebirds.
Attracting Bluebirds and Setting Up Bluebird Houses
- Since these birdhouses are made from cedar, they can withstand weather and don’t need to be finished. In fact, many finishes are actually toxic to young birds. If desired, you can finish the exterior only with linseed oil.
- Ideally, birdhouses should be placed 4-5 feet off the ground. It is not recommended to place them on trees since this can allow a predator to reach the house. Try placing bluebird houses on t-poles, but a fence post will work, too.
- Bluebirds are very territorial. If you plan to install more than one bluebird house, they should be at least 100 yards apart. However, by installing two houses back-to-back, a bluebird may occupy one house and a different type of bird (swallow or sparrow) may occupy the other. Bluebirds fight for territory with other bluebirds, but not with other types of birds.
- When placing the houses, you should put them on the edge of open space along a tree line. Placing the house near a water source is also helpful. Be sure to face the house so the wind is less likely to blow into the entrance hole. Also, try to place the house so the sun will not shine directly into the entrance hole at sunrise or sunset.
- The guidelines of the Massachusetts Audubon Society say that if another type of bird other than a bluebird moves into the nesting box, leave the birds alone.
- Be sure to clean out your house each year in early spring (mid to late March). Tap the back of the box first (mice find the houses very nice and warm in the winter), then open the side and clean it out.
Attracting Bats and Setting Up Bat Houses
- There are typically two types of bats found in this area: little brown bats and big brown bats. Bats help control insects (they can eat up to 500 per hour throughout the night!), pollinate plants, and scatter seeds. One reason the bat population is declining is due to loss of habitat and providing a bat house will help bats survive.
- Location is very important to bats. Northern bats crave warmth, so their houses should be placed in a location where they get at least four hours of sun each day. Nursery colonies (groups of mothers with young) are particularly temperature sensitive. Big brown bats prefer roosts that remain at 80º to 90º for most of the day and night and little brown bats like their homes even warmer. East, southeast and south facing locations are the most popular. It may help to use a dark (black or brown) color water-based paint or stain on your bat house.
- Bat houses should be at least 12 feet high; 15-20 feet is even better. The house should be mounted on a building or pole; bat houses placed on trees are seldom used. It is ideal to place bat houses on a pole, back to back, at least 25 feet away from lights. Also, try to place the house away from tree branches which may make aerial perches for predators. Tilting the nursery houses (small size) about 10º will help keep baby bats from falling out.
- Houses placed in locations within ¼ mile of a stream, river, or large lake are most likely to attract bats due to the high concentration of insects. This type of location is especially popular for nursery colonies.
- Take care when placing your bat house. Bat houses have open bottoms and guano will pile up underneath. Also, bat urine can stain some finishes.
- Attractants do NOT attract bats to a bat house. Bats explore for roosting sites during the night. If your house does not attract bats after the first season, it is probably due to the location. Try moving the bat house to a different spot.
- Maintain your bat house by cleaning it out each winter, especially if wasps or mud daubers move in during the summer. Repaint if necessary. Bats don’t like drafts, so if the roof or sides develop gaps over time, seal the gaps with caulk.
Attracting Butterflies and Setting Up Butterfly Houses
- A butterfly house is really a hibernation box. Some butterflies migrate during winter to warmer climates; some hibernate. See below for a list of butterflies which hibernate. Butterflies hibernate from late August to April or May. Butterflies may also use a butterfly house as protection from predators and wind.
- Mount the box on a pole or post at about 3-4 feet from the ground. It should be located in a sunny or lightly shaded area, away from prevailing winds. Butterflies will be attracted if the box is placed near flowering plants. Fill the box loosely with pine bark mulch or tree bark, standing up.
- Some types of butterflies which may use your house: Mourning cloaks, Queens, Question marks, Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, American Painted Ladies, Western Painted Ladies
- Some flowers which attract these butterflies include aster, butterfly bush, daisy, marigold, milkweed, mint, red clover.
