They're back already

[phillyblues]

So last year I put a bunch of boxes up in a field (late season) near my home and fledged the first 5 bluebirds in my suburban Philly neighborhood in who knows how many decades. Yesterday I popped over to make sure the boxes were in good shape and was shocked to find a pair of bluebirds singing and popping in and out of each one! I could not believe this was happening in February. Nothing like seeing bluebirds in winter in your own neighborhood. Hopefully this means the season ahead is going to be really fun….perhaps two nestings? That would be incredible.

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Hi, and welcome to this great forum! Yes, the blues (& other birds) are really scouting. I had my pair of blues (which overwinter with me here in Mid-Missouri) scouting two different boxes this past weekend. Of course, the HOSP were right there also. But for sure it would be unusual for you to see them this early there where you are. Good luck.

[tamsea]

My bluebirds are here all winter. And they are already starting to choose their box. They haven’t chased away the fledglings (from previous nesting) yet though. It is very likely you’ll have two nestings! How fun! I used to have 3 but lately just two. It’s fun seeing signs of spring already!!

Tammy

[lexilu]

I checked boxes on both my trails yesterday for repairs. I had a partial house sparrow nest that I cleaned out. I will have to trap those nasty critters. A friend about 25 miles to the south of me has a partial bluebird nest!!! I live in southern Virginia.

Lexi
Virginia

[stumpy75]

In a local park this morning, I found myself in a flock of over 20 bluebirds. Guess they are back in NW Ohio too, although some always overwinter.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by stumpy75.

Chris
Toledo, Ohio

[tamsea]

(@ Lexi)Wow…a bluebird nest already. It’s starting!
Chris, bluebirds are here all winter in the Toledo area. What park were you visiting? I’ve NEVER seen a flock of 20 though. That would be a great sight! Jealous!

Tammy

[stumpy75]

I was at Swan Creek Metropark in the back of one of the prairies on the west side of the park. Kind of stumbled into them. Realized that there were a few BBs around, and then realized that every small bird around us was a BB! Stood and watched for about 15 minutes. It was a clear, sunny, bright day, and both the males and females really stood out!

And, yes, we have seen them there all winter(not in those numbers though), as well as at Wildwood and Secor Metroparks.

Just put up a box today, although with the forecast 4-8″ of snow for Thursday, it will probably just get snowcovered for now…

• This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by stumpy75.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by stumpy75.

Chris
Toledo, Ohio

[tamsea]

Yay….glad you put up a box. My bluebirds are already box hunting.

Tammy

[phillyblues]

It’s on! The first nest of the season in my suburban Philadelphia town is built before March!

[phillyblues]

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

Congratulations!

Central NY
TMB Studios

[tamsea]

Do they literally have a nest?!! That’s great! Mine are investigating but not building.

Tammy

[dogsandbirds]

I don’t even know if I have nests started!

C’mon phillyblues. Baffle that box!

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[phillyblues]

I still can’t believe it but there is a nest. I was amazed enough to see a pair hanging around. The nest had a good start the last weekend of February. It’s funny to think this time last year I wasn’t sure I’d ever see a bluebird in my neighborhood.

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

I echo Gin’s advice – put a baffle on that post, please!

• This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by The Original Bluebird Nut.

Central NY
TMB Studios

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