Doug Wipf
Rutland, MA, USA
M & F pair of Eastern Bluebirds observed bringing nesting materials (grasses) to the same nest box used last year. Up to five bluebirds were present daily here throughout the winter, including 2 adults. Possibly the same individuals?
Tag:
Our bluebirds have also started nesting.
I’m hoping for Bluebirds but no interest in my nestbox and I have not spotted one Bluebird in my yard.
I have had blue birds on my 4 acre property over the years. For the last four years, none have fledged a family from either of my two nest boxes. I am hopeful a nest, just completed, will hold a clutch of eggs next week. I will turn the unoccupied nest box to face east as I understand that is their preferred direction for the entrance.
Describe your yard, Paula: size, composition of ground cover, trees, shrubs, etc. Blue birds prefer special features to claim a habitat. I hope your yard offers them such features.
Small yard about .25 acre many native plants, lilac tree, spreading yew, holly berry bushes, Nanny berry, Red wood,Dogwoods, forsynthia etc. Cedar hedge along fence ~ south side. Close to Lake champlain and wooded trails.
Bluebird house on fence post about 5 feet off ground facing East. Many birds, Cardinals, blue Jays, Mourning doves, Titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, Carilina Wrens, American goldfinches, and a hawk now and then. House finch with nest with 5 eggs (current in christmas wreath.) Any tips for bluebirds appreciated.
Thanks, everyone for your comments and I hope you all have successful nesting attempts!
BTW, as the photos show, the bluebirds started their nest with grasses; as soon as the snow melted they switched to newly exposed white pine needles. There’s a small maple leaf in there, too.