Bluebirds local and migrant are moving north

14 years ago

Hello everyone!

Many of my local bluebirds are back here in RI and some lone male bluebirds

are moving north get ready central New England bluebirds are in route and on

there way. There where reports of flocks of bluebirds 15-20 in central RI

moving north. So nice to see them after a long cold winter. Best of luck to everyone and lets hope this will be a great season for all with warm dry weather

for the chicks. And large fledge totals.

Ray

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Comments (6)

erictammy
14 years ago
I've never seen a flock of bluebirds...would love to see that. My bluebirds overwinter with me. Your's don't, huh? Must be too cold there. When does your first martin usually arrive?
Tammy
rayinri
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Tammy
I have seen a flock of 30 to 40 bluebirds its rare but does happen the bluebird
is very popular in New England and some towns run big trails. Martins are due back anytime after April 15th i watch the PMCA migration Map when residents
in CT report scouts I drive down to the sites and look for them There migration
is set by age. The oldest return first (to all sites) the 5-7 year old birds followed
by younger birds weekly. A martin can fly from MD to CT in one day They
have placed little transmitters on the back of martins and track there moments for the entire season. This is very wise information and takes all
the guess work out of there migration.
About 40% of my bluebirds winter here many that do perish I manage to many to feed them.
May finally try to feed Martins. A friend on Cape Cod last year was feeding
her Martins and tapped the entire experience for others to enjoy It can be done!

Ray
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erictammy
14 years ago
Hi Ray. You and a couple of other here got me interested in Martins and now I'm hooked. This will be my third year. My first year I had two pairs, and last year I had three. Mine came April 17 last year. I have heard of people feeding Martins. I tried last year...flung crickets, but they just watched me and never went after the crickets. But I'll try again this year.
My bluebirds always make it through the winter but this year there are two that have been missing the past few weeks, so they may have not made it. Are winters aren't too brutal though.
Tammy
kendra2003
14 years ago
I like to keep records of the birds. Last year my flock disbanded on March 20th. This year "my" flock of 10 is still here. I expect them to remain here a while, but only time will tell.
erictammy
14 years ago
Hi kendra, I only have 5 or 6 that ever overwinter with me. It's the parents and some of their offspring. This year I had 6 but already I see the parents discouraging the youngsters from hanging around. Won't be long!!
terrene
14 years ago
Hi Ray, I live in eastern Mass. and a small flock of 6 (now down to 5) Bluebirds has been here all winter eating suet crumbles at the feeders. I believe they are the pair that nested in a snag in the back yard from last summer and their offspring hanging with them, but cannot be 100% sure. They are still together, although the dominant pair has "claimed" the snag and yard again. Dad Blue has been out there singing his territorial song in the trees daily and I watched him chase a House Sparrow away from the nest hole a week ago. However he has not chased his offspring away yet (1 male, 2 females) and wonder how long they will hang around?

Bluebirds local and migrant are moving north

Comments (6)

erictammy

rayinri
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Bluebirds local and migrant are moving north

Comments (6)

erictammy

rayinriOriginal Author

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rayinri
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