Early bluebirds

[Lubricator]

I have a perch and a bluebird nesting box on my porch. This is mid October and I have a pair investigating the box. This is very early. Previous years they showed up early spring. Isn’t this time of year unusual?

Lubricator

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

Hello Lubricator,

The behavior you are seeing is not unusual. Frequently the juveniles from this year’s nesting will come and investigate the boxes where they were fledged from, but they aren’t actively looking for nesting spots. They’re just “playing house” so to speak. Or, they may be investigating, looking for roosting spots for the cold winter months.

When you say you have a perch and a nesting box, you don’t mean the perch is on the front of the box, do you? Bluebird boxes should not have perches. They don’t need them, and a perch makes it too easy for other birds to harass them.

Central NY
TMB Studios

[Lubricator]

The metal perch is on the other end of the porch and not on the box. All the song birds use the perch but only bluebirds use the nesting box. I put out some homemade suet for them in case they return. I thank you for a prompt reply. I intend to be a frequent blogger.

Lubricator

[tamsea]

They may overwinter with you ….that’s always fun. Have some suet and/or mealworms ready for them.

Tammy

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

The perch not being on the box is a good thing. Just be sure the other birds that use the perch are not harassing the bluebirds, or you might not get them to stay next spring.

Central NY
TMB Studios

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Yes, they are only investigating. My blues are doing the same thing – checking out the box for roosting or just checking it out. True scouting will begin in February, or even January, depending on the weather. At least here in Missouri, that’s what they do. You know, the male will usually pick out a box, BUT the female has to approve it, and that sometimes takes time (ha, ha)!! I agree with Cher about the placement of your “perch” – don’t what others to chase away the blues. The bluebirds will usually find some kind of natural perch – overhead utility lines, trees, buildings, etc.

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