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

I would definitely put up a second box. Chickadees really seem to like Gilbertsons (painted to look like a birch tree - also not very attractive to House Sparrows) and small NABS style boxes. Here in CT, chickadees nest before blues. I always put a hole reducer on the INSIDE of the hole when chickadees nest, as they tend to get ousted by larger birds. I had very few chickadee nests on my trail last year. Here is a link that might be useful: all about nesting chickadees.

Hi Cathy, glad to hear yours are back. Mine just started patrolling the yard last week, no signs of a nest yet but I usually get one every year. I think it's interesting that my bluebirds are back to their "beginning of May" schedule instead of the "middle of April" schedule they've been on for the past two years. I wonder if it's the climate or the weather or just a different pair this year on a different schedule.

Congratulations. I think you are correct about them being the same ones because of their familiarity with your set-up. "My" tree swallows came back today. I was so excited to see them. They went right to the tree they perched on last year, and then right to the nest box they used last year. I know it is the same pair. It is so fun when they return. If you want to try feeding them mealworms, just get a feeder designed for that which will keep the larger birds out.