Ventilation: Boxes with good ventilation spaces under lid stay coolest in very hot weather.

Drain Holes: Drill about nine small holes at bottom of box Siting: Bluebirds prefer extensive lawn areas with scattered trees, fences or wires for perches that allow them to see the box's entrance hole. Do not install boxes in dense woodland.

Mounting: While screwing boxes to trees is preferable to having no boxes at all, this location makes them more vulnerable to cat and rat predation. The best mounting is a 2-inch galvanised or PVC pole, 7 feet long, sunk 18 inches into the ground.

Entrance hole perches: Avoid. Bluebirds don't need them, and they only provide easier access for pest birds and predators.

Entrance hole diameter: One and a half inches.

What is a bluebird trail? Ten or more nest boxes erected and monitored by friends on public land or on several private properties.

To avoid vandalism: Set boxes on private property in view of the house. Avoid heavily used public areas.

Pesticides: Never use when chicks are in nest because they are especially vulnerable.

Why an asset: Since bluebirds dine almost exclusively on the cutworms that destroy lawns and crops, they are the gardener's friend.

Boxes sold at: Bermuda Aquarium and Bermuda National Trust shop, Trustworthy.

Further information: Bermuda Audubon Society, PO Box HM1328, Hamilton HMFX, or telephone 297-2623 or 235-5513 (cellular).

To make your own boxes: See information above.