- Home
- About MBS
- MBS Store
- Nest Boxes
- Events
- Contact Us
- Resources
- About Bluebirds
- Problem Solving
WELCOME TO THE MICHIGAN BLUEBIRD SOCIETY!
Celebrating 20 years of helping bluebirds!
Male bluebird feeding a female bluebird - photo courtesy of Dave Kinneer
The Michigan Bluebird Society is a group of individuals dedicated to helping bluebirds and other native cavity nesting bird species in the state of Michigan. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society.
Why There is a Need to Help Bluebirds and What You Can Do
Because of habitat loss, environmental pollution, and competition of non-native bird species (House Sparrows and European Starlings), bluebirds have suffered large declines compared to their original numbers. However, bluebirds have been shown to thrive in areas where there is human-provided housing that is actively monitored. As a result, through the efforts of many people, bluebirds have increased in numbers in the last 15 years. Putting up a nest box is the easiest and most important thing you can do. Not only are you helping bluebirds to populate, but watching a pair of adults build a nest, lay eggs, and feed their young is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you will ever experience. Just ask any bluebird landlord - you'll be hooked and changed forever!
The Michigan Bluebird Society is an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society.
Video: Learn How To Become A Bluebird Landlord in 8 Minutes
Michigan Bluebird News......
The cold is here to stay..
It looks like the cold weather is here to stay. Don't forget about the birds! Predictions are for a warmer than normal winter with less than normal snowfall. But the birds will still need your help. Keep your feathered friends in mind and help them out as the season progresses - unless you will be leaving for a warmer climate soon. If you plan to be gone for an extended time do not start feeding them now unless you have a friend/relative who will continue once you leave. They will come to depend on your food supply and it should not suddenly stop. If you offer meal worms during the Spring and Summer, continue to provide them during the Winter to supplement the Bluebird diet. When temperatures drop low enough that they cannot find enough insects, Bluebirds will eat suet and/or fruit. To train them to eat fruit, chopped raisins or currants can be mixed with the meal worms. Some people have also had success feeding Bluebirds scrambled eggs.
As always be sure to keep your birdbath full and clean. This will attract bluebirds (and other birds) - even in the winter. If you have a bird bath heater now is the time to put it in the bird bath. The birds love to splash around on sunny days. And that is a welcome site for the humans!
It has been nearly five years since filming and editing of our MBS video began. Now the Michigan Bluebird Society is thrilled to announce that The Secret Lives of Bluebirds: Thinking Inside the Box is ready for distribution! MBS partnered with renowned wildlife photographer Charles St. Charles to create this spectacular video highlighting the life cycle of the Eastern Bluebird. It will introduce you to these birds as they live their lives on our properties – finding mates, building nests, laying and hatching eggs, and raising their young. See our Bluebird Video page for more information. This would be a great gift gift for family and friends - especially fellow bird lovers.
As always please don't hesitate to contact MBS with any questions or problems you might have. We are available to assist you in your bluebirding efforts. To find a County Coordinator near you or for a general contact at the MBS, please go to Contact Us.