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

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

Great bird sightings! I wouldn't be super excited about the house wrens, LOL, but they *are* nice birds when you take bluebird predation out of the equation. Congrats on the hummingbird too - I've had nectar out for four weeks now and not a single one in sight! Good luck with your bluebird eggs! :)

Thanks Lisa and Janie for the warm welcome back!! Janie, the next time you vacation with fellow bluebirders, count me in if there's room...in fact, it might be really cool to have a BB convention/get-together with forum members...First, I'd love to put a face with a name, and then be able to talk about our beloved blues without anyone being bored!!!! It's difficult to share stories, talk about baffles, mealworms, fledging, etc., with those who really don't care....most of my dear friends had never heard of mealworms and were pretty grossed out with my explanation...LOL!!!