Yes Tim,
It has been an incredibly mild winter so far. Yesterday and today were like spring. I usually have Bluebirds all winter, but I think they are finding food on their own because of the mild weather. I love not having to dig out of the snow on a daily basis, but I miss my Blues. One weird thing is the HOSP have not been around much either. Last winter I trapped about 20 with the DRST, but I'm only seeing an occasional one now. I guess they have enough to eat elsewhere as well.

I live near Kendra, and yes it's been a very mild winter. So far, the opposite of last year - which had heavy precipitation (all in the form of snow) and very cold temps. It was brutal.

Yesterday, I did some open burning in the back yard (burning brush from the ongoing removal of invasive plants, and some storm damage). I've never burned during the winter - there's always snow cover and it's freezing cold.

While I was burning, a few Bluebirds had come to eat some suet nuggets and they hung around most of the morning keeping me company. I watched one drop into a garden and catch a bug, or something. One of the males sat in the Yellowwood tree singing away, it sounded like a territorial song (?). Other birds were flitting around the trees, chasing each other and a couple of Downy's appeared to be courting. It felt like Spring!

You are so lucky Terrene. I was sure my Blues would come back as they have every winter, but I haven't seen them in a month. I'm not seeing much else either. I do have Juncos and TUTI that come every day, but that's about it. Like you said though, last winter was brutal, and I'm not sure I'd want a repeat of that, even if it meant Bluebirds showing up. I am happy for you that you get to see and hear them. Their song is just so beautiful.

That is so weird Kendra! I am very surprised that you haven't seen them in a month! Especially consider they have visited your feeding station for years, and they know you are there. I have always assumed they liked mealworms even more than suet too, although I've never fed mealworms because they seemed to like the suet mixture just fine (and it's cheaper, less trouble).

Do you think it's possible that there is a new resident hawk, or even worse, a hawk may have taken a Bluebird somewhere in your area??

The bluebirds here have been pretty predictable visiting for 6 winters now. They don't come every day, and the number that visit varies over the years. Knock on wood, they will keep visiting!

It is weird terrene. The only thing I can think of is there is no snow on the ground, and they are finding food just fine without my help. I just took a walk at the local conservation area, and I saw four of them there hunting. So they are around, just not at my feeder. I offer mealworms, homemade suet, and a heated birdbath daily. It is not just the Blues, but a lack of birds in general. I think I filled my BOSS feeder over three weeks ago, and it is not empty yet. That is unheard of for winter. Also, last year I kept seeing a Cooper's hawk, and this winter I have not seen it even once. I think the hawks must also have better access to food (small rodents) when there is no snow cover. It is a strange winter, but I will be ready for them if they do show up.

The mild weather continues! Yesterday it was in the 50's with sunshine. The day before last it was mostly cloudy and 60! Through next Wednesday it's supposed to be dry and sunny EVERY day! Temps from mid 30's - mid 40's.

I haven't seen ANY blues since I saw that one out in front of my home last year. Then again, I'm not feeding them either. Took a walk around the boxes....life is very calm out there. No birds to be seen. No bluebirds or HOSP. Though I heard a HOSP one morning across the road at my neighbor's house.

Kendra, although I'm not feeding birds, my neighbor may be. Haven't seen ONE hawk all winter. And the last 2 seasons their would always be a Cooper's attack attempt going on mid day. Nesting season. In the evenings during winter. They've even got one of my female blues before! February...the nesting season's on its way!