Gilbertson PVC Bluebird Box

Widely considered to be the most sparrow-resistant Bluebird nesting box on the market, this box is made in Indiana for MBS by Amish craftsmen.  The Gilbertson PVC box is also one of the most field-tested and proven Bluebird houses available.  The house's shallow depth and PVC body seem to be less attractive to sparrows, while making it light and easy to mount on almost any type of pole.  The house body detaches easily from the roof for checking on nest checks or cleaning out.  Also, the cedar roof is pre-drilled to receive a 1/2" conduit mounting pole (not included).  Comes complete with instructions on how to mount the box with 1/2" conduit and rebar.  

Non-Member's Price:    $27.00

Member's Price:     $24.00 

Gilbertson PVC Bluebird Box - Deluxe With Polywood Composite Roof

Widely considered to be the most sparrow-resistant Bluebird nesting box on the market, the Gilbertson boxes are made in Indiana for MBS by Amish craftsmen.  The Gilbertson PVC box is also one of the most field-tested and proven Bluebird houses available.  The house's shallow depth and PVC body seem to be less attractive to sparrows, while making it light and easy to mount on almost any type of pole.  This Deluxe version has a Polywood (R) composite material roof that is impervious to weather, sun, warping, and decay.  This will enable the house to last many more years, since the wood roof is usually the component that will wear out first on a nesting box.  The dark brown color will help keep the box warmer in early spring weather and looks great with the  white/brown body.  Just like the cedar roof version, the house body detaches easily from the Polywood (R) roof for checking on nest checks or cleaning out.  Also, the roof is pre-drilled to receive a 1/2" conduit mounting pole (not included).  Comes complete with instructions on how to mount the box with 1/2" conduit and rebar. 

 Non-Member's Price:    $33.00

Member's Price:      $29.00

 Gilbertson PVC Chickadee Box

This box is a slightly smaller version of the popular Gilbertson bluebird nest box, but designed just for Chickadees.  The box has a smaller height and 1 1/8" diameter entrance hole, which will allow Chickadees to enter, but not larger birds like sparrows.   It has the same western red cedar roof and floor as the original bluebird design.  The box is designed to be pole mounted and should be located in areas with trees which chickadees frequent.  It is designed to fit the Gilbertson Pole Mounting System (not included).  Complete instructions on what to buy and how to install this pole system are included.  General instructions for locating and using the box are also included.  Dimensions of lower box body:  6.5" high by 4 1/4" diameter.  Roof:  9" long by 7.25" wide by 2.5" high.

 Non-Member's Price:    $26.00

Member's Price:      $23.00

   Sparrow & WREN DETERRENTS

Universal Sparrow Trap

This easy-to-use and highly effective in-house sparrow trap is made by co-founding MBS member Don Smith.  This trap will fit most bluebird nesting box designs - as long as the inside surface of the house front is flat and at least 3" in width.  (For Gilbertson PVC houses, see below)  It is easy to install and remove from the nest box once the two provided wood screws are installed on the inside of the front of the box.  The trap is set by holding down the spring-loaded door until it catches on the holding spur.  (See left picture) Once a sparrow alights on the perch platform, the door springs up to block the way out of the box (right picture).  The bright orange dot is visible from a distance, telling you that a bird is in the trap.  Then, the sparrow can be removed by placing a garbage bag over the entire house, bounding it tightly around the pole, and opening the box slowly.   Made of steel with rust-resistant paint and includes instructions, hardware. 

**IMPORTANT** - NEVER leave this trap unattended for long periods of time as it may also trap native, cavity nesting birds like Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, or Chickadees.  Birds can get stressed and dehydrated quickly inside a box they can't escape from. 

Non-Member's Price:     $14.50

Member's Price:     $13.50 

In-Box Trap for Gilbertson Box

If you have a Gilbertson PVC nest box and need to trap house sparrows, this is the trap for you.  It works basically the same as our Universal Sparrow Trap, but is narrower to fit the curved surface of the box.  No screws are needed for installation. It just rests on the lower rim of the entrance hole,  so the only thing which shows is a small black metal overhang.  (See photo)   When the sparrow enters and lands on the trip perch, the rectangular metal door flips up and blocks the way out.  A red dote will alert you that a bird has been trapped inside.  (See photo)  When the sparrow is trapped in the box, remove it by placing a transparent garbage bag over the entire nesting box cinched on the pole below the box.  Carefully remove the Gilbertson lower portion of the box so the sparrow exits into the bag.

  **IMPORTANT** - NEVER leave this trap unattended for long periods of time as it may also trap native, cavity nesting birds like Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, or Chickadees.  Birds can get stressed and dehydrated quickly inside a box they can't escape from. 

Non-Member's Price:     $13.50

Member's Price:     $12.50

Sparrow Shield

The Sparrow Shield is designed to be a passive deterrent to keep house sparrows from claiming a nest box.  The metal ring has 4 lines which hang down around and in front of the entrance hole.  The weights are 1/2 ounce ultra steel on the heavy duty twisted lines to help keep them untangled and help prevent birds from getting tangled in them.  Bluebirds and Tree Swallows  don't mind flying between the lines, but sparrows dislike it.  To be effective, the Shield MUST be installed on the nest box BEFORE sparrows claim the box.  This device has proven to be effective most of the time, but occasionally very persistent sparrows will thwart it.  The Sparrow Shield comes with a cedar mounting bracket and 2 screws that will fit on almost all Bluebird house designs.  It also comes with instructions. (Nest box not included)

Note:  The Sparrow Shield is designed and built by MBS member Gene Wasserman and his company Woodcraft Kits. 

Non-Member's Price:   $  22.00

Member's Price:     $ 20.00

The Sparrow Chaser is an easier-to-mount, pre-made version of the well-known Sparrow Spooker. The Chaser is designed to discourage house sparrows from entering a box in which the Bluebirds or tree swallows already have a nest with either eggs or young. If you mount it before then, it may scare away the bluebirds. The Chaser has an easy to mount cedar bracket, which attaches easily to almost any bluebird box (screws included). It comes with complete instructions.   NOTE: The Chaser works most of the time, but sometimes persistent house sparrows will still enter the box. In this case, more aggressive actions may be needed to deter them such as trapping or removing the nest box from the habitat.  The Sparrow Chaser is designed and made by MBS member Gene Wassernan and his company Woodcraft Kits.  

Non-Member Price:  $17.00
Member Price:   $15.00 

Wren Shield

The Wren Shield is designed to be a deterrent to House Wrens nesting in bluebird boxes. Please keep in mind that wrens are native birds that cannot be trapped or their nests removed from boxes. This device is only designed to deter them from entering the box. These native birds are very aggressive and can take over all nesting boxes and cavities in their territory, making them unavailable to other birds.  Also, house wrens can destroy bluebird eggs and hatchlings.  The Wren Shield attaches to either the front edge of the nest box or just under the roof with the included woodscrews.  The Shield is designed to be used on boxes with a flat roof and with the roof edge parallel to the house front.  The Shield forces birds to enter the box by going under and behind it.  This can deter wrens in some but not all cases.  The Shield should be installed immediately after the bluebirds start laying eggs (preferred timing) as this helps ensure they are more bonded to the nest site.   If you install it earlier, there is a chance they will abandon the nest box.  But even if you install it after egg laying starts, you still MUST monitor the situation to make sure the bluebirds have accepted the new Shield.  The Wren Shield comes with a locking nail so that you can pivot it out of the way temporarily (see picture).  This should be done after the young are 4-7 days old to allow easier feeding and fledging.  The Wren Shield is made of western red cedar, and comes with mounting hardware and instructions. 

Non-Member's Price:   $   10.00

Member's Price:     $    9.00

Bluebird Feeders

Cedar Bluebird Feeder

NEW HINGED TOP DESIGN.  This high quality cedar feeder is designed to feed meal worms, but can be used to feed other suet/meal mixtures as well.  The entrance holes on the end and vertical "bars" help exclude larger birds like starlings, blue jays, and robins.  Initially the Bluebirds may need the sides open, until they feel comfortable entering the feeder.  The dowels, screen and the clear acrylic windows can be temporairly removed  to encourge the birds to enter.  Once the Bluebirds are using the feeder, the dowels can be replaced creating 1 1/2 inch spaces and deter the unwanted, larger birds. The clear acrylic windows can be installed for additional protection when the Bluebirds begin entering the 1 1/2 inch entry holes on each end. Installing the clear acrylic windows will also provide additional protection from wind, rain and snow.  This feeder is made by MBS lifetime member Gene Wasserman through his WoodCraft Kits company.  The feeder roof opens on both sides to remove/replace the dowels The clear acrylic windows can be removed by slightly bending them out.  It can be hung on a shepherd style hook, mounted with the screws on a deck rail or on a 1/2" conduit pole by adding the included pole mount to the bottom..  The feeder comes with both the hanging cord and the pole adapter kit which allows for mounting it to an electrical conduit pole.  Instructions for making the conduit pole are included.  There are also pre-drilled holes in the bottom of the feeder, so you can mount it directly to a deck rail or existing pole flange with the two included wood screws   Overall Dimensions:  12" L x 12" W x 9" H

Non-Member's Price:   $52.00   
Member's Price:     $48.00

Gilbertson Bluebird Feeder

This simple but very effective mealworm bluebird feeder was designed by MBS member Steve Gilbertson of Minnesota.  The horizontal bars are spaced 1 1/4" from the roof and floor to exclude larger birds like Robins and Starlings.   Bluebirds and smaller birds can pass through this opening to reach the aluminum can food holder in the center.  The food holder can be refilled by removing one of the horizontal bars that slides out, which allows the holder to be removed and filled.  The feeder is made in Michigan by MBS member Don Smith.  It is of high quality western red cedar construction with wood screws and galvanized, weather resistant hardware.  It comes ready to mount to the Gilbertson pole mounting system which consists of a five foot long, 1/2" diameter electrical conduit and 48" long 1/2" rebar (pole and rebar are NOT included, but fittings and adapters are included).  The feeder comes with complete instructions and a diagram explaining the pole mounting system.  The feeder can also be installed on a deck rail by removing the mounting block on the bottom of the feeder.  Approximate dimensions:  9 1/4" x 9 1/4" x4 1/2" high (not including the height of the mounting block).

Non-Member's Price:   $35.00   
Member's Price:     $32.00 

This beautiful hanging mealworm feeder is both functional and a very attractive addition to your garden.  The copper wire will never rust and looks great.  The dish is made of cobalt blue glass and is durable and easy to clean.  The dish measures 3 inches across at the top and 2 inches at the bottom.  It is 2.25 inches deep.  Overall height of the feeder is 8 inches from the top of the hook to the bottom of the dish. This made in the U.S.A. feeder can be hung anywhere the Bluebirds can easily see it and is best located away from other feeders.  Makes a wonderful gift for the Bluebird lover on your list!

Non-Member's Price:   $24.00   
Member's Price:     $22.00

Books

Enjoying Bluebirds More

This very popular and inexpensive book comes from Bird Watcher's Digest and was written by Julie Zickefoose.  It covers a wide range of topics including nest box design, location, monitoring, troubleshooting, and helping injured/sick bluebirds.  There is also a section on planting for bluebirds.  The book is 32 pages and has color photos.

Non-Member's Price:   $ 4.50

Member's Price:      $4.00

Birds of Michigan

This very popular, small-format field guide features the stunning photographs of Michigan Birds by Stan Tekiela - a well-known naturalist, author, and wildlife photographer.  A unique feature of the book is that it covers 118 of the more likely bird species you will encounter in Michigan, so you don't have to flip through nearly as many pages to find a bird.  Also, it is organized by major color of the bird instead of bird families, so it's easier to locate a bird that you see in the yard or neighborhood.  It includes a variety of information about each species to help you identify it, like range map, key field marks, male/female descriptions, and observations from Stan on habits and other key facts.  Paperback.  316 pages.  4 1/2" by 6"

 Non-Member's Price:    $ 15.00

Member's Price:      $13.50

Captivating Bluebirds

This book by Stan Tekiela is a must-have for every bluebird lover!  The pages are filled with Mr. Tekiela's most stunning and amazing bluebird photos, as well as lots of information about how bluebirds live their lives.   You'll not only be amazed and enthralled by the pictures, but you'll learn a lot about these beautiful birds in the process of reading the book.  Paperback.  130 pages.  9" by 7 1/2".

Non-Member's Price:    $ 15.00

Member's Price:      $13.50

Stokes Bluebird Book

This is one of the classic How-To books on attracting bluebirds, written by two of the foremost experts on backyard birds in America - Don and Lillian Stokes.  The book covers every topic related to bluebirds including their history in America, life cycle and biology, feeding, nesting boxes, and gardening for bluebirds.  It's written and organized in a simple to follow style without overwhelming readers with too much information.  95 pages with many color photos and diagrams.  Highly recommended for Bluebird lovers. 

Non-Member's Price:    $ 17.00

Member's Price:      $15.00

Guide To Bird Homes Book

This is an introductory guide on how to attract the different species of cavity nesting birds to nesting boxes.  It includes a lot of basic information about the habitat, size of box, and mounting location for species such as chickadees, woodpeckers, bluebirds, purple martins, screech owls, wood ducks, wrens, and kestrels.  Written by backyard birding expert Scott Shalaway and published by Bird Watcher's Digest.  The book is 33 pages and has color photos.

 Non-Member's Price:   $ 4.50

Member's Price:     $ 4.00

Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes For Great Birds.  This book is arguably the most complete and accurate one on bird houses written to date.  It covers all North American cavity nesting bird species that will nest in bird houses and how to attract them.  There are excellent color photo's, diagrams, and easy-to-build designs for all bird species.  Best of all, the book was written with input from MBS members and bluebird experts Tom Comfort, Steve Gilbertson, and Dick Tuttle.

Non-Member Price:  $23.00

Member Price:    $20.00

MBS Hat

  Show your support for Bluebird conservation and the Michigan Bluebird Society with this attractive hat.  One of our most popular items. The hat is made of 6-panel cotton twill and has an attractive embroidered MBS logo. Hat has an adjustable velcro strap on the back, so one size fits all. Hand washable.  Available in Khaki only.  Get yours today!

Non-Member's Price:   $17.00

Member's Price:     $15.00

MBS Hat - New Design, New Colors!

This hat has a new, simpler version of our MBS logo embroidered on 3 exciting new colors.  The 6 panel, 100% cotton hat comes with an adjustable strap in the back so it will fit any head size.  Like the Khaki hat, it is hand-washable.  Available in dark blue, light blue or pink.

Non-Member's Price:   $17.00

Member's Price:     $15.00

Proud Bluebird Landlord T-Shirt

When you walk around town let others know that you are proud to be a Bluebird landlord!  Wear this comfortable 100% cotton t-shirt with screen printed artwork which says Proud Bluebird Landlord above a nest box with a Bluebird sitting on it.. Under the nest box is the MBS website address.  Available in tan or cobalt blue. Sizes M, L and XL.

Non-Member's Price:   $18.00

Member's Price:     $16.00

MBS Denim Shirt

The first item which MBS ever sold and it is still very popular.  This attractive medium blue shirt features an embroidered MBS logo above the pocket, button down collars, and durable denim material.  It comes in either short sleeve or long sleeve, but both are the same price.  The sizes we normally stock are M, L, XL and sizes do run a little large.  If you need a small or say, a 2X, please send us an email and we can try to get it for you. We do also have a limited supply of ladies cut long sleeved shirts. If you would be interested in one of these slimmer cut shirts, please send us an email.

NOTE:  Specific sizes are sometimes out of stock.  We will notify you if this is the case and the expected time to get back in. 

Long Sleeve Non-Member's Price:  $33.00

Long Sleeve Member's Price:  $30.00

Short Sleeve Non-Member's Price:  $33.00

Short Sleeve Member's Price: $30.00

Have a bluebird trail where there are a lot of people walking by (like a golf course, commercial office park, or city/county park)?  This sign may be just what you need to let people know to stay away from and not disturb nesting bluebirds.  This sign was made by a professional sign shop for MBS and is made of sturdy laminated aluminum.  It will hold up for years outside.  There are two pre-drilled holes at the top and bottom for mounting on a wood or metal pole.

Non-Member's Price:  $27.00

Member's Price:     $24.00

Show others around town that you care about Bluebird conservation with this eye-catching, decorative license plate for the front of your vehicle. It is made from metal, so it will last longer. Standard sized holes fit the screw locations on all vehicle types. 

Non-Member's Price:  $13.00

Michigan Bluebird Society Mug

This beautiful mug will enable you to proudly show off your membership in the Michigan Bluebird Society at the office or at home.  It has a hefty 15 ounce capacity and is dishwasher-safe.  The Michigan Bluebird Society name is on the front and back and the design wraps all the way around the mug.  Makes a great gift!  Made in the U.S.A.

Non-Member's Price:  $11.00

Member's Price:     $ 10.00

What a beautiful mug for you to use to show off that you are a proud Bluebird landlord!  Great for the office or at home.  It has a hefty 15 ounce capacity and is dishwasher-safe.  The front and back of the mug both show a nest box with a beautiful pair of Bluebirds on it. Also makes a great gift!  Made in the U.S.A.

Non-Member's Price:  $11.00

Member's Price:     $ 10.00

This beautiful 16 oz. mug features a pair of Bluebirds nestled among lilac blooms.  An added bonus for butterfly lovers is the Monarch on both the inside and outside of the mug!  The mug makes a great gift and is dishwasher safe.

Non-Member's Price:  $11.00

Member's Price:    $ 10.00 

The most famous Bluebird photo of all time - The Mad Bluebird!  Photo is on an 11 ounce ceramic mug. Always one of our most popular gift items.  But, you can get it for yourself too!  The mug is dishwasher and microwave safe and the Mad Bluebird image is on both the front and back.

Non-Member's Price:   $ 9.00

Member's Price:     $ 8.00

Now you can enjoy the famous "Mad Bluebird" right in your garden with this beautiful, color flag!  This durable flag is made of 100% polyester for outdoor use.  It can also be machine washed (instructions included). There are two sizes available. Small flag is 12.5" by 18".  Large flag is 28" by 40".  Flag holder/pole not included.

Large Size:  Non-Member's Price:   $20.00  Member's Price:  $ 17.00

This beautiful mouse pad will remind you of your favorite bird, while you work (or play!) on the computer.  It is a roomy 9" by 8", 100% polyester face, neoprene backing and is permanently dye printed and fade resistant.

Non-Member's Price:     $8.50

Member's Price:     $ 7.50

PLUSH SINGING BLUEBIRD

                                They are back!   One of our most popular gift items has always been this plush singing Bluebird.  Squeeze his middle and he will sing for you an authentic Bluebird song from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology recording library.  No batteries required and your Bluebird will sing for a long time.  This is a great gift for children to learn how Bluebirds sound outside in nature.   Approximately 6" long by 4" wide.

Non-Member's Price:  $10.50

Member's Price:  $9.50