The island’s bluebird season is in full swing and people with nesting boxes must do their part to keep their tenants healthy and safe, an expert has said.

Christian Chin-Gurret, the founder of bird box builders Happy Bird Co, said the company had made more box-making kits after they sold out.

He added that Bermuda’s Eastern bluebirds would continue to nest until August and boxes needed to be checked on a regular basis.

Mr Chin-Gurrett said: “If rats, mites, ants, wasps or uninvited sparrows have taken up residence, evict them.

“Keep notes on key dates — when eggs are laid, when they hatch, when nestlings fledge.”

Bluebird boxes should be on poles 3ft to 6ft above the ground to help prevent predators like rats and cats from getting to nests.

Mr Chin-Gurrett said: “For the best results the boxes need to be in the right locations.

“Bluebirds are insect eaters, so boxes should be next to open grassy areas with plentiful food sources, but with a tree or shrub nearby to provide a safe landing point above the ground.”

Eastern bluebirds are native to Bermuda, but the loss of cedar forests, use of pesticides and increased competition from introduced species like sparrows and starlings have reduced their numbers.

The species would choose to nest in holes in trees, but man-made bird boxes provide a safe alternative.

Mr Chin-Gurret said: “What we do now will ensure that we will have bluebirds around for future generations to enjoy.”

• For more information about bluebirds or to order a bluebird box, visit the Happy Bird Co on Facebook or bermudabluebirdsociety.com