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Blue Bird Houses Have Eggs for Easter
Mama Blue sure was busy the last few days. As of the previous nest check there were 0 eggs, but 4 today, an egg-stravaganza… like a special Easter gift!The whole episode started with a squabble between blues and chickadees over blue bird houses and who will nest where. Not uncommon at all for birds to remove others’ nesting material and raise a ruckus, but never had we seen activity like this before. Mr. Blue not only removed the moss from the birdhouse he wanted… he placed the material in a nearby house as if to say “okay, chickadee, you nest here!” The chickadee would then retrieve the moss Mr. Blue had placed inside! This activity went on for about 20 minutes until we were the ones who actually gave up!
Their nests are completely different, so the winner of choice number one box was confirmed the next day. Chickadees use moss, hair, feathers, and maybe wood chips, while Eastern bluebirds construct their nests with mostly pine needles, dried grasses or weeds. But no eggs, and a week later… no eggs 🙁 And then today 4 perfectly colored, beautiful bluebird eggs.
Not only in the Southeast, but as far north as IL and NY, bluebirds are starting earlier than usual.
Longer days and warmer temperatures have much to do with it. Availability of insects nudged the earlier than usual nest starts too. So as long as the weather cooperates (no snow/ice storms or drenching rains) bluebirds will be lucky to have a good season, with at least two, possibly three broods. Grow strong and thrive little blues!Happy Easter to All…
May you find bluebird eggs in your house today!
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Yes, They’re Already Scouting Bluebird Houses!
It may seem like spring’s a ways off, but as far north as New England, bluebirds are on the move to pair off, claim nest boxes & territories and start their broods!
Photos by David Kinneer… with many thanks for sharing these amazing shots! To visit his awesomely inspiring bluebird images and slideshows, head over to SmugMug… it’s most definitely worth your time!
The image above shows the wing wave or wing tip and it’s one of the advanced ways bluebirds communicate with each other. Especially during courtship (happening now) it’s almost an animated signal that says “Come check this nice bluebird house and let’s pair up!” Of course the Mrs. will have to inspect and approve the new digs before the deal is sealed.
Now’s also the time when young blues who fledged last spring start getting kicked around by parents. No more big happy families when it comes to nesting, all bets are off. Parents will chase their own sons and daughters from territories they claim for the season. A little sad to watch but all part of Mother Nature’s pecking order (no pun intended).
David’s galleries include images/slideshows of many bluebird scenarios, from weather to predators, fledging babies and feeding, it’s truly remarkable and so informative through his images only (nothing to read).
With natural nesting places disappearing- real estate is tough out there for bluebirds and other cavity dwelling birds. Offering a safe place to raise young is both helpful and rewarding. By safe we refer to suitable housing (preferably Bluebird Society Approved) and the commitment to be a responsible landlord. If house sparrows are prevalent in the area, it’s best to avoid putting up a bluebird house just to let them nest… they’re a bluebirds’ nightmare.
The website Sialis.org offers a wealth of information that’s easy to understand and follow. In fact, you might get hooked there too! Between David’s bluebird gallery and Sialis… well, there went the night! Happy Birding 🙂
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Send Some Love with Unique Birdhouses
Here’s why birdhouses are a great choice for Valentine’s Day
Because they’re purchases with purpose! They add value and beauty to our lives and to those around us. They bring song, color and life to our spaces through those visitors who use them.
Granted one will see more activity at a feeder, but real estate is scarce out there, so please help house the birds! Competition for natural nesting space is ever increasing, and most cavity-dwelling birds would be happy to raise their young and call any of these unique birdhouses “home”.
Among those birds who use houses; bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, wrens, finches purple martins and more. As a side note, owls, ducks and bats will take you up on man-made nest boxes as well. Because their habitats are also shrinking, providing places for shelter and successful broods can prove most rewarding.
Styles range to suit all tastes, from basic to mod to vintage. Materials are just as varied, from copper and PVC/vinyl, wood, ceramic, even driftwood!
There’s absolutely something for everyone and something for every birdhouse-using species!
Those who don’t fancy birdhouses? Robins, blue jays, cardinals and goldfinches to name a few of the more common birds. But they’ll take up residence in trees, shrubs and hedges if the habitat suits them. They’ll use bird feeders and frequent your birdbath too.
This Valentine’s Day, nix the chocolate and short-lived flowers. Opt for an artful creation with purpose… and please help house the birds 🙂
Birding Tips, Information & News