First of all, I'm not implying that you should do this, and there are many other ways, perhaps some of them are better. I'm just relating what works for me.

Second, Some people believe handfeeding bluebirds will cause them to become too trusting of humans and place them in danger. My experience has been that they will not have anything to do with a stranger, nor with me if my appearance or approach is different.

1.) When you see bluebirds in your area, approach them as slowly as possible until you reach a point that you know they can observe you. I have the worms in and a small clear, low, steep sided container that the worms cannot climb out.

2.) Place this container either on the ground or on an object off the ground that the container will not fall off. After doing this, move back a considerable distance so the bluebirds will feel secure coming to investigate. Once they have located the container and mealworms, from here on out all you need is a lot of patience and understanding of the birds comfort zone.

3.) A couple of times each day, preferably about the same time place the mealworms on or near the same spot for the birds. Once they become accustomed to feeding from this container, you can move the container fairly substantial distances. My experience has been that as long as they can see the container, they will come to it. I have deliberately tried to see how the birds would react. I have never moved the container so much that they failed to follow and use it.

4.) When you have the birds feeding readily from the container, place the container on a low table, about chair height. Place the container on the table with the chair away from the table a distance that will allow the bluebirds to feed comfortably.

5.) Gradually move your chair closer to the table until you can rest your hand, then your arm on the table. Then gradually move your hand to until it it touching the container. As the birds feed from the container with your hand touching it, gradually cover most of the container until the birds are having to touch your hand in getting to the mealworms.

6.) Turn your head slightly away from your hand and try not to move it, or your hand and watch the birds out of the corner of your eye. Never look directly at the bird when it is near you, they get much more cautious. It will probably take a long time before the birds are comfortable with you looking at them.

7.) Turn your hand palm side up with a few mealworms in it. As soon as the birds become comfortable feeding from your hand resting on their dish, you can move it away gradually until they will come to you immediately.

8.) I have found that consistency is the most important in all things in gaining the confidence of the birds. The same dress, time of day, no strangers anywhere near close.

9.) Pay attention of how the birds react to you and different situations, you do not have to be a genius to do this. If the birds are comfortable with you they may perch on your hand and pickup several worms before leaving to feed their young. Oftimes it is easy to tell why they are apprehensive about coming to you. It may be they feel that their escape routes are not as convenient. One thing in particular is that they do not like to be lower than your waist. I assume they really feel at a disadvantage.

My experience has been the during various stages of the nesting season, you will find the bluebirds going through various stages of reacting with you. At times you may find both the male and female on your hand picking up several worms each before leaving. Other times, usually when the young have just fledged, the will not come to your hand at all.

This is one of the joys of working with the birds up close. You get to understand them better than you ever would any other way. Last of all, I never cease to thrill at the feel of their tiny little feet on your fingers and the wonder of how delicate they are.

Many people start out with high hopes and the best intentions of feeding and observing the bluebirds up close, only to find that mockingbirds, robins and other birds will drive them away and devour all the worms.

A well built bluebird feeder will eliminate this problem and your supply of mealworms will go much further. There are several well built feeders for bluebirds on the market. One I am partial to is one that is approved and sold by the:

North American Bluebird Society

Proceeds from the sales of their products help to raise badly needed funds for their organization. Your purchase through NABS will help this important organization.