Nest Boxes, Guards, & Labels

Bluebird Nest Box Design

We have evolved a bluebird nest box over the past few years which is working well on our trails. The bluebirds seem to like the design, and it is easy to monitor and clean out.

Download nest box design

Download a diagram showing the recommended box mounting method

Predator Guard Designs

We utilize two types of predator guards to help limit predation of our bluebird nest boxes. One we call the Cat/Raccoon Guard is made of a heavy wire mesh and goes on the front of the nest box to help fend off raccoons, cats, opossums, large birds, etc. This works by backing the critters off so it is too far of a reach into the box to get the eggs or babies. The pattern for the Raccoon Guard now posted on this site is slightly different from our original version. We have changed it to make it easier to cut out and lace together. The other guard, Snake Guard, is made of round metal ducting material and is installed on the mounting pole for the nest box. This guard is primarily to inhibit access by snakes which just love to dine on little birds and eggs. This guard can also fend off climbing cats, squirrels, raccoons, etc. (It also provides a bit of a challenge for squirrels when used on pole-mounted bird feeders.)

Download diagram showing correct predator guard mounting

Don't let this happen to your bluebird nest box. Mount your nest box on a metal pole, use a Snake Guard, and position your nest box away from nearby and overhanging branches.

VBS Nest Box Labels Available for Your Nest Boxes

VBS now has labels available for your nest boxes. The labels have VBS contact info plus they warn visitors that the nest boxes are protected by federal law. The labels are made from a very tough plastic vinyl and can last for years attached to the outside of your nest boxes. In the past, DGIF has supplied us with these labels free of charge, but with budget cuts, DGIF is unable to do so any longer so VBS is stepping up to keep them available for our members. If you have nest boxes on public land, please consider installing these labels to help protect your nest boxes and to help promote VBS.

We are making these labels available to all VBS members. We request a donation of $1 per label if that is possible. That is our cost for the label. If you cannot afford a donation, we will still supply you with the labels. They are a great deterrent to vandalism and a perfect way for VBS to promote its work.

We request that your nest boxes be equipped with both a snake guard and a noel predator guard. This is VBS protocol, and we do not want to have labels attached to non-protocol boxes. Nest boxes on public lands are very visible to the public, so we owe it to the bluebirds to promote the best way to protect them – predator guards.

To obtain labels for your boxes, please send a note requesting your labels with a check (no cash please) and your return address info, to VBS, 726 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

See what the labels look like here