Saving the Bluebirds

A Story for Young Nature Architects

Builder's Goals

I can find the main idea of this bluebird story.
I can put building steps in the correct order.
I can use details to explain how to keep birds safe.

Bird Words

Cavity Nester: A bird that lives inside a hole in a tree.
Insulator: A material like wood that keeps heat in or out.

Safety First

Always ask an adult to help you when using building tools!

Have you ever seen a splash of bright blue feathers flying through your yard? That was likely an Eastern Bluebird! These beautiful songbirds are very special because they are "cavity nesters." In the wild, they don't build nests on branches. Instead, they look for hollowed-out holes in old, rotting trees to build their nests.

Unfortunately, bluebirds are having a hard time finding homes today. Many of the old trees in parks and neighborhoods are cut down to keep people safe from falling branches. Without these natural holes, mother bluebirds have nowhere to lay their eggs. This is why human "architects" have started building bluebird bungalows.

A bird bungalow is a small wooden house designed just for them. When we build these houses, we have to be very careful. We use cedar wood because it is strong and does not rot in the rain. Cedar also acts as an insulator. This means the birdhouse stays cool in the hot summer sun and warm during chilly spring nights.

Bluebirds are very busy in the spring. Once they find a safe bungalow, the mother bird builds a nest of dry grass. She lays four to five tiny blue eggs. The father bird helps by bringing her food and singing beautiful songs to keep other birds away from their new home.

The most important thing about building a birdhouse is the order of the steps. We start by measuring the wood carefully. Then, we cut the pieces and drill a small hole for the bird's door. We have to place the hole exactly six inches from the bottom. This keeps the babies deep inside where predators, like hungry cats, cannot reach them with their paws.

Once the house is put together, we hang it in an open field near a tree. This way, when the babies are ready to fly, they have a safe branch to land on for their very first flight!

"By building a safe home, you are helping the bluebirds survive. Every bluebird you see might be there because of a builder like you!"