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

That is just so awesome. Not just to have the same female return, but to absolutely know it is her because of her unique color. I'm certain I have a different pair this year because they are very shy around me and don't come to the mealworm feeder when I call them. They won't go near it for about half an hour after I fill it. Also, this is the first pair I've ever had that built their nest out of short pine needles. In the past they have always used the long pine needles or grass.

Both are wonderful for bluebirds and are very helpful. I spoke with both at my last home. Such wonderful information they give. I am at a different home now following a divorce but I made sure I got all the traps from these gentlemen. Most precious possesion I had!! I have no housesparrows here at the new home. But eagles and so forth and many blues!!! If a house sparrow ever shows here I will know what to do because of those men. And a few older posters from here.

Hi Cathy You must be well north of me. Yes the population of bluebirds does decline after a harsh winter my numbers have stayed around 35 to 40 pairs the last few years... back in the 1990's the weather was different winters were mild and the bluebird population low at the time doubled in the mild years. New England had a cold spring of april of 2008 many females weak from there trip north perished on half made nest. Its just not winter weather that kills bluebirds! Food supply at its lowest in april many bluebirds perished and my flock which was already paired off were flying around the town and reforming there bonds with other bluebirds because of this extreme cold weather in april killed so many nest box's just ready for eggs were found with nothing but dead bluebirds I have such a volume of bluebirds that return here I did not feel the loss like so many others in near by states The month a may brings in the youngest of the bluebirds and what ever box's are empty are quickly taken by these first year breeders. I can support 60 pairs but only once in the 1990's were they all used by bluebirds. Alot depends on weather and your local population of bluebirds. My bluebird box's have been in place for years and with out question they are super prime locations. Bluebirds with care can live three to five years. Those are area's void of HOSP And cats! I have a few bluebirds that are absent I blame the harsh winter. But the sites should be taken by young bluebirds that i produced last year. Ray