Polka Dot Birdhouse and Bluebird Tips

50 Comments / May 29, 2020

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Today, I’m sharing with you my painted polka dot birdhouse and bluebird tips for housing Eastern Bluebirds.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy creating and painting your pattern on the birdhouse as much as I did!

I was thrilled when I received two bluebird houses as a gift recently, since bluebirds are my favorite bird.

My husband and I have had success housing bluebirds in the past so this was another opportunity to try our hand at homing a bluebird family.

After you follow the steps of my painting process, I’ve highlighted some helpful Eastern Bluebird tips for those who want to start housing bluebirds or are just curious about bluebirds.

POLKA DOT BIRDHOUSE AND BLUEBIRD TIPS

hand painted polka dot birdhouse for bluebirds

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So far, I’ve had time to paint one of my houses and mount it. As you read along, you’ll find out the reason behind my color palette choice in the tips section.

I began with an unfinished wood birdhouse that was made especially for Eastern Bluebirds.

Mine was handmade and you can find a variety of building plans online. If you aren’t a DIYer, they can be purchased at home improvement stores or online.

unfinished wood birdhouse for eastern bluebirds

Cedar Bluebird House

Bird Feeder Pole Kit

Cedar Bluebird Feeder

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

craft paint
foam paint brush
artist paint brush
sponge dotter
- or use round household objects to trace
paint dotter
- or use end of artist brush
pencil
waterproof outdoor spray

Nutmeg Brown Paint

Foam Paint Brushes

Sponge Dot Set

HOW TO PAINT A BIRDHOUSE WITH POLKA DOTS

STEP 1 – BASE PAINT THE BIRDHOUSE

Use a foam paint brush to paint the birdhouse brown, let dry then paint a second coat.

Important: Do not paint the flashing or entrance hole and do not paint the inside of the birdhouse.

STEP 2 – MAKE THE DOTS ON THE BIRDHOUSE

You can use sponge dot tools or round household objects to make the dots.

I used a pencil to lightly trace around my household object to make the first group of dots. Place the dots in random areas.

painting step for polka dot birdhouse and tips article

STEP 3 – PAINT THE CIRCLES

LARGE DOTS:

I used an artist brush to paint within my traced circles and it took 3 coats of navy paint.

MEDIUM DOTS:

Trace the outline of the medium sized dots with your pencil and paint with green paint. Paint extra coats if needed.

SMALL DOTS:

Trace the outline for your last group of dots. Paint the red color. Paint extra coats if needed.

TINY DOTS:

Use the end of your dotter to paint your tiny polka dots. No extra coats needed.

another view of the polka dot bird house for bluebirds

Paint Brush Set

Blue Craft Paint

STEP 4 – SPRAY PROTECTIVE COATING ON THE BIRDHOUSE

After the paint is completely dry, spray the house with waterproof spar urethane.

Important: Do not spray the inside of the birdhouse.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD BIRDHOUSE TIPS

WHAT COLORS CAN BE USED FOR NESTING BIRDHOUSES?

Bluebirds prefer earthy tones, such as the colors of grass and dirt. For this reason, shades of brown and green are good choices. Bright colors attract other birds and predators, which is detrimental to bluebirds.
SFGATE.com

The Spruce has a great article on birdhouse colors ~ start at the 3rd paragraph: Birdhouse Colors and Painting Birdhouses

eastern bluebird perched in tree — **Eastern Bluebird**

WHERE SHOULD I MOUNT THE BLUEBIRD HOUSE?

Open, rural country with scattered trees and low or sparse groundcover is best. Suitable habitat should include perch sites, such as a fence line, wires, or tree branches where Bluebirds may perch to search for food. Look for these when you are selecting a location for your nest boxes. If Bluebirds do not like the habitat, they will not use your boxes.
MD Bluebird Society

I’ve read many sources indicating that a bluebird house is most successful if attached to a post or pole, however, we’ve had success mounting our bluebird houses to a tree at the open edge of a wooden area.

We never had a problem with snakes raiding the nest, but if you choose to mount on a post or pole, install a baffle to prevent snakes from getting to the nest.

HOW HIGH SHOULD THE BLUEBIRD HOUSE BE PLACED?

The majority of sources indicate the birdhouse should be placed 4 to 6 feet above ground. I found other ranges as well, one stating bluebirds will tolerate 10 to 15 feet high.

Make sure you have easy access to clean out the house after each nesting period.

We chose to hang our house at 10 feet on a tree at the open edge of our backyard woods.

We often see bluebirds in our yard, but if we detect that bluebirds will not use the house in that location then we plan to move it to another location in our yard in the future.

Regardless if you plan to paint a birdhouse for nesting or just for decorative purposes, hopefully, my polka dot design has jumped started you on wanting to paint a birdhouse! What’s your favorite bird?

MORE OUTDOOR PROJECTS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO SEE:

HOW TO INSTALL A STURDY BIRD FEEDER POST

PAINTED PLASTIC FLOWER POT

Sharing this painted birdhouse at these FABULOUS BLOGS!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allyson

Allyson is the founder and content creator of Southern Sunflowers, which shares tutorials for DIY crafts and decor on a budget.