Printed material Other websites TBS Speakers

Getting Started Top

Basic Fact Sheet PDF (21KB)   DOCX (17KB)

Being a bluebird's friend in a nutshell.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bluebirds in Texas ... but didn't know to ask PDF (352KB)

Information about bluebirds, their habits, and how you can help them to survive in the modern environment. This brochure was originally known as The Primer.

Homeowner's Manual (Revised, 3/2008) PDF (199KB)   PUB (220KB)

Answers to the most often asked questions about what a nestbox is, how to install it and and how to monitor it.

Nestbox Management For Landowners (NEW! 3/2008) PDF (120KB)

Basic facts for landowners interested in bluebird conservation and Wildlife Tax Valuations.

Nestbox Recommendations Top

Recommended Features For a Bluebird Nestbox in Texas PDF (39KB)   Powerpoint (131KB)

Features to look for when buying your bluebird nestbox. If you want to build it, TBS has free plans that incorporate all of these recommended features.

Texas Blues TB-1 Nestbox PDF (115KB)

The design of our field-tested, Texas-tough TB-1 nestbox is available for free. The nestbox is sized for Eastern Bluebirds and other small cavity nesters. The TB-1 series has four variations that differ slightly in floor area, lumber size and necessary construction tools.

Heatshield PDF (100KB)

Adding a Heatshield to your nestbox is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your bluebirds from the intense Texas heat.

Kingston Stovepipe Predator Baffle PDF (69KB)

Nestboxes are vulnerable to many predators, such as raccoons, cats, snakes, and fire ants. Adding the Kingston Stovepipe Predator Baffle will deter the clawed ones.

Universal Sparrow Trap

If a House Sparrow has taken over your nestbox, you can humanely trap it with the Universal Sparrow Trap, also known as the Van Ert trap. Because the trap captures any bird that enters the nestbox, you must check your nestbox frequently (once an hour) after you’ve installed it. When you order one, please tell Floyd Van Ert, "Texas Bluebird Society sent me!"

Nestbox Monitoring with NestWatch Top

NestWatch Explanation and Forms (Revised, 3/2008) PDF (279KB)

NestWatch is a nest-monitoring project by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Bird enthusiasts from all across North America submit their observations so scientists can learn more about how to help birds survive and thrive. This document includes instructions on how to monitor nests and a worksheet to record observations before transferring data online.

Bird Facts Top

Bird Behavior at Nestbox PDF (91KB)

General description of bluebird behavior during nesting cycle (often applies to other birds as well).

Nests, Eggs & Nestlings of Select Cavity-nesting Bird Species PDF (15KB)

Guide to identifying the nests, eggs and nestlings of birds that use nestboxes.

Texas Native Plants that provide food for Eastern Bluebirds (revised 3/2008) PDF (31KB)   DOC (157KB)

Bluebirds primarily eat insects, but they supplement their diet with berries. Enhance your nestbox’s surroundings by planting these Texas native plants nearby.

TBS Brochure, Membership Form and New Membership Packet Top

Being a Friends to Bluebirds in Need PDF (700KB)

Useful information about TBS, its mission and bluebirds in Texas.

Membership Form PDF (154KB)

Print and mail this form to us to join TBS, or you can join online.

Special Offers for Guidebooks Top

Bluebird Monitor's Guide - autographed, Order Form PDF (69KB)

Purchase the Bluebird Monitor's Guide autographed by Keith Kridler with the message of your choice. A portion of the proceeds goes to TBS for education and habitat restoration.

Sam's Guide to Bluebirds (CD/DVD) Order Form PDF (46KB)

TBS Members can order this 2004 CD/DVD for $10.00, plus shipping. Retail value is $24.95.

For Kids Top

Bluebird to color PDF (157KB)

"Color me" drawing by Elizabeth Morris for TBS.

To find more information about bluebirds, visit the sites listed below. When you click on the link, the site will open in a new window.

National Wildlife Federation - It's Easy to Garden For Wildlife

Learn how to make your backyard a wildlife paradise.
National Wildlife Federation

North American Bluebird Society (NABS)

Texas Bluebird Society is an affiliate of The North American Bluebird Society and encourages dual membership.
The North American Bluebird Society is a non-profit education, conservation and research organization that promotes the recovery of bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting bird species in North America.
PO Box 43
Miamiville, OH 45147
NABS Website

The Birdhouse Network (TBN)

TBN blossomed into NestWatch. Monitoring and studying nests of all avian species.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
1-800-254-BIRD
www.NestWatch.org

The Bluebird Box

Including the Internet's original Bluebird FAQ & featuring Best of Bluebird Mailing Lists Classified
Jim McLochlin's "Bluebird Box" web site

Sialis

The website of Bet Zimmerman, the webmaster for "Best of Bluebird L". Rich of information and resources for bluebirders.
www.sialis.org

Texas Parks and Wildlife - Texas Wildscapes

Texas Wildscapes is a habitat restoration and conservation plan for rural and urban areas. It enables Texans to contribute to wildlife conservation by developing wildlife habitats where they live, work and play.
Texas Parks and Wildlife

True Blue Friends Order Form

A nestbox dedication program benefiting the Texas Bluebird Society.
True Blue Friend allows you to dedicate a new or existing monitored nestbox to a "True Blue Friend" with a customized plaque bearing your personal message along with the name of the person, pet or entity you wish to honor.
Order online.

Contact speakers@texasbluebirdsociety.org to schedule a TBS speaker.

TBS requests a donation from your group. And, if expenses are involved (i.e., gas, lodging, meals), please offer a reimbursement to our speaker.