Home › Forums › Bluebird Chatter › Lone Male Bluebird
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July 15, 2016 at 10:03 pm #2656
Greetings all!
I’m from PA and new to this forum. I have a question and wondered if anyone could offer their ideas. I have a had a lone male bluebird hanging around my yard since June 18th. He seems very interested in the bluebird house I have up. He is very protective of it and chases away other birds that go near it. He doesn’t have a mate. I’m thinking maybe he lost his mate somehow, not sure. He has been singing his heart sticking around our property for the past 3 weeks all the while guarding the nest box. I feel so sorry from him to be alone. Is it normal for it to take this long to attract a female? I keep hoping he can find one and they’ll make a nest and have babies soon as we are into the middle of July now. I keep mealworms out for him which he eats now and then along with insects he finds on his own. Any ideas anyone can offer I would greatly appreciate it.— Dana in PA
July 15, 2016 at 10:19 pm #2657Dana, it varies about a male finding a mate. Usually during nesting season it does not take them very long. My male lost his mate after they had 5 eggs for 1st nesting, and it was only a few days that he had attracted another. Of course, this was at the beginning of nesting season. If you see him and he is interested in the box and he is eating your mealworms, he might get another gal yet. But it is getting a little late – bet he returns next season. Remember to have your box(s) up in January or February (probably more like February or March where you live), as this is when they are out scouting. By the way, welcome to this forum! I believe you will find lots of knowledgeable people here. Our administrator/moderators & participants have been here for years – I’ve been here for 9 seasons and several were here way before me.
July 16, 2016 at 4:14 pm #2668Hi Carol –
Thanks for your reply! I agree with what you mentioned about if it was earlier in the season he may have better luck attracting a female as well as there might still be a chance for him to get lucky…we will see what happens. If not, there is always next year. Plus I get the “blues” year round here in thanks to the mealworms! Thanks also for welcoming me to the forum! I look forward to posting and making new friends here.All the best,
Dana in Lancaster, PA
July 18, 2016 at 4:53 pm #2686Welcome Dana. I am relatively new here also but I have been “raising” Bluebirds about 8 years. Are you in the city or out toward the farm communities around Lancaster. Our family history is in the Lancaster, Marietta, Mount Joy area. We visit there quite frequently.
David
David
Stafford, VAJuly 19, 2016 at 12:18 am #2694Hi David –
We are surrounded by farm communities (lots of Amish here). That is really neat to hear you are from around here. Mount Joy isn’t too far from here. Small world! I think Lancaster County is one of the prettiest counties in Pennsylvania. I love it here! You sound like you have been “bluebirding” for a long time. I tell ya once you see a bluebird, something about them fill you with joy. Once you are hooked its usually for life. I love having the “blues” year round here. Thanks so much for your reply and also for welcoming me. Have a great day!Dana in Lancaster, PA
July 19, 2016 at 8:16 pm #2697Dana, welcome to our world!
I have been hosting cavity nesting birds for decades. When I open a box and all have fledged, I am happy of course but I don’t miss them being in there. It’s good to know they made it out.
All or most of the females in your area are apparently otherwise occupied. Maybe he will have luck in the spring.
Gin
Atlanta, GAJuly 20, 2016 at 1:37 am #2704Hi Gin –
So true! It would be worse if the babies didn’t make it out. And good point about all the females being occupied not to mention paired up for the season. I think the male bluebird in my yard lost his mate early in the season. He’s been bonded to our nestbox going on a month now. He still chases away any bird that comes near it. I think he is still hoping a lonely female will come his way. I am too! Thanks so much for your reply and welcoming me here. Appreciate your advice.All the best,
Dana in Lancaster, PAJuly 21, 2016 at 2:51 am #2770Aww, Dana. I hope that fella finds a gal soon. Bless his heart!
Nicole
July 23, 2016 at 12:21 am #2788Hi Nicole!
I do too although it’s starting to get late in the season. Keeping my fingers crossed but at the same time hoping for better luck next year.Dana
Lancaster, PA -
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