The Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds

by Donald W. Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes

Copiously illustrated with maps, line drawings, and full-color photographs, this large format paperback book contains the essential information that backyard nature enthusiasts want and need—to attract bluebirds to their yards.

Genres: Birds, Reference, Science, Nonfiction, Gardening, Nature

96 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1991

About the author

Donald W. Stokes and Lillian Q. Stokes are widely recognized as America's foremost authorities on birds and nature. Their books include the bestselling Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America, the Stokes Field Guide to Birds, the Stokes Beginner's Guide to Birds, the Stokes Nature Guides, and the Stokes Backyard Nature Books. They live in New Hampshire and Florida.

Reviews

[Rachelckelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great introductory bird guide but it fails to focus on some of the most important aspects of attracting bluebirds: keeping the endangered (Eastern Bluebird) safe!

The English Sparrow is one of the most common birds in North America. As one can assume based on the name, the English Sparrow is not native to the Americas, but due to its aggressive nature, limited dietary requirements, and all around hardy nature, the English sparrow has become The Eastern Bluebird's main predator.

The English Sparrow will build its nest atop an existing bluebird nest. If the mother bird is present, the sparrow taps a hole into her skull to kill her and builds its nest upon the fresh battleground.

English Sparrows are attracted to the basic mixed seed purchased cheaply in most wild bird stores because it contains millet, the small round tan colored seed.

If you are purchasing bird seed containing this millet, you are attracting the bird which is harming our native bluebird population. It is important that you fill feeders with pure pure safflower seed, sunflower seeds, or thistle.

Back to the book: It is perfectly fine, but not nearly emphatic enough in regards to what we can do to protect this valued species.

[Patrick McGrady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative book all about Bluebirds (seemingly mostly Eastern Bluebirds vs. Western and Mountain Bluebirds).

It was great to read about how much these Bluebird populations have rebounded. I never knew the extent to how threatened they had become. I see Eastern Bluebirds year round in Maine. The didn't always over winter in the state but now I see them very often in Southern Maine.

It was fun to take a species specific deep dive.

[Mary Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginning bluebird enthusiast, I needed a guide to give me the information to begin attracting and encouraging bluebirds. This guide is very helpful and informative and contains all the information you need to get started on your bluebird adventure.

[Claire Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good resource if you are thinking of putting a bluebird box up in your yard. I read this, and re-read sections once I embarked on my bluebird adventure.

[Mark Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 4 of 5 EXCELLENT, especially for people just starting to be interested in birding in general and bluebirds in particular.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all of you bluebird lovers out there, this book is a "MUST HAVE" for your library. It has everything you need to know and more. With this book, you'll need no other!!! 😁🐦🐦🐦

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have bluebirds nesting in Elena's birdhouse, and this book was so informative and with wonderful pictures. I now know what to do to help my bluebirds.

[Jennie Shook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has gorgeous pictures of bluebirds and I learned a lot about these gorgeous birds- including that my yard is not a safe place for bluebirds to live, thanks to all the cats roaming around.