skip to main content

Flock of 9 bluebirds in Southern NH

15 years ago

Here we go again... I had a small group of bluebirds last winter... and a new batch are back. I counted 9 this morning... and its cold here... it had to be about 15 last night... I have 2 heated birdbaths and plenty of suet and sunflower chips and mealworms... although these seem to not be interested in the suet... any other bluebirds in northern New England?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

rayinri
15 years ago
Thanks for the report. I have seen only a few here this winter it seems there
population has declined a little. Mostly due to so few bluebird landlords.
And good one's at that.
Ray
terrene
15 years ago
Hi, I'm in Mass., southern New England. Just participated in the Christmas Bird count last weekend, that includes 17 towns in this area. It looks like it was a very good year for the Bluebird count, 426 birds total in 2008 vs. the 5-year average of 278.

I counted 4 Bluebirds on my suet feeder that day. They love the home-made peanut butter/suet mixture.
Related Discussions
Southern mag after first winter
Q
Comments (4)
Mine looked like that about 20 years ago. We are in SCen PA and it has grown to be way over 20ft., maybe over 30ft. A small tree like that will probably defoliate the first couple of real winters we get, but not to worry. If it makes several leaders, as they want to do in cold climates, once the tree gets over your head, it should have been pruned to one leader. In other words, you can grow it like a bush for the first few years, but then each year should see the removal of one of the trunks. Mine made 5, and sorry to say it still has 2. To take the second one away now would make the tree look stupid, to say nothing of what dear wife would think. The flowers on mine are great, the only complaint is that the tree draws a flock of Eastern Bluebirds in the fall. For several nights before migration, the birds roost in the tree and make 'white streaks' on many of the leaves. Like 100s of the leaves. Rain washes their evidence away, but it makes the tree unsightly until that happens.
...See More
winter bluebirds
Q
Comments (13)
Hi Kendra, we must live very close to each other, I am about 20 miles west of Boston too! This is the 3rd winter that Bluebirds have visited my suet log. I feed them a home-made peanut butter/suet mixture made with ingredients similar to what is listed on Sialis.org. I fill the log, and also break the mixture up into nuggets. The Blues prefer to perch at the tray to eat the nuggets, but they will perch AND cling to the log to eat the suet mixture too. I have never fed meal worms, so obviously the Bluebirds seem to be doing fine on the suet mixture. The little flock visit every day. They are often waiting for me first thing in the morning to fill the suet. Of course, many other types of birds love the suet mixture too. Except for the Finches and Pine Siskins, they eat the BOSS. I really enjoy watching the Blues, they are my favorite, and am very happy if this helps them make it through the winter!
...See More
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2015 #9
Q
Comments (74)
With the temps we have had, I knew there had to be an explanation! No need for the heated birdbath yet. No juncos so far, and haven't seen a flicker for months, no cardinals for a while either. Haven't put up any feeders yet, but they will go up later this month. Lots of resident bluebirds are still around, as well as nuthatches, chickadees, downys, some blue jays. Goldfinches have been scarce ever since they pretty much stripped the sunflowers. That will change as soon as the thistle feeder goes up. Hoping the abundant crabapples will bring in the waxwings like they did year before last...nothing last year. And there is an upside to the leaves falling...better visibility. Too bad there will be so little daylight. Trade-offs! Susan
...See More
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2019 #1
Q
Comments (78)
The good news is very good, Jane! And the bad news isn't so bad since it will prevent future problems/bird invasions. It's snowing now (the first measurable snow of this winter) and the birds are dealing with it. It's not so deep that they can't reach the birdseed and besides I threw a lot of birdseed under some hollies where the snow won't fall. Doves and a song sparrow: Cardinal, white-throat and a house finch plus an unidentifiable bird. About a dozen red-winged blackbirds appeared today but most of them found the seed under the hollies. These are feeding under a feeder. In a normal winter I'd have gone out and shoveled for the birds but I expect this snow to be melted and/or washed away before it prevents them from feeding. Claire - who couldn't stand it and just went out and swept the snow to make it easier for the birds.
...See More
robinnad
15 years ago
I live in southern nh. today I had 9 blue birds at my feeders. I have a heated bird bath, a suet feeder, a black oiled sunflower feeder and a platform feeder with a variety of seeds
rayinri
15 years ago
Wow that is amazing. And scary for such non hardy song bird. That is
great people now feeding bluebirds who would ever guessed this would
have happen. I am sure its folks you that keep the northern population stable
and healthy all year. ( As I start to feel guilty) I would venture a guess there
are other northern landlords that feed as well. The snow pack is so much in NH
there is no way with out feeders bluebirds could winter there. Plus its very cold
up there. You should send a report to the North american bluebird society
They would love to hear from you. Great work.
terrene
15 years ago
I don't know if any of you are Project Feeder Watchers, but they have a fascinating section on their website where you can "Explore Data" from the counts. There is one really great feature called the "FeederWatch Map Room". You select a species, season, and region, and then it shows you the number of birds sighted on a map of the region. It is an animated map but you can stop it and step through if you want. Great fun to explore different species or even different parts of North America!

Below is a link to the New England data for Bluebirds. I'm somewhere in that cluster of dots to the northwest of Boston! :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Eastern Bluebird - Current Season - New England

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Autumn Views

By Annie Thornton

Share your pictures of fall foliage and decor in the Comments. Your photos may be featured in an upcoming story!

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Amelanchier Signals Spring With Airy White Blooms

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

With roughly 20 species of serviceberry native to the U.S., bees can feed on the early-season blooms while birds enjoy the summer berries

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Bluebirds never leave North Texas boxes.

0