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my Bluebirds of happiness

15 years ago

I don't know who else to tell, so here goes!

"My" 4 babies fledged about 2 weeks ago. Mama Blue (more than Papa) kept emptying the mealworm feeder, but I didn't see the babies until about a week ago---saw Mama Blue feeding one behind my house. Then yesterday I saw both parents and ALL 4 BABIES in my yard; both parents fed babies from my feeder, and one baby went into the feeder!

This is absurdly uplifting!

Does it get any better??

Does this mean I'll have Blues next year??

Ann in Maryland

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Comments (6)

kenn3d
15 years ago
Hi Ann,

We share your joy. :)

Our pair had 3 successful nestings in our backyard box this year. All 3 broods have followed their parents back to our mealies and at least some of them continue to come for worms and fly around our yard daily.

Of course we're preparing ourselves for their absence soon, as we fully expect them to all take some time away (probably months) in the Fall. But we had 2 pair of adults over-winter here last year and we're very hopeful to see them again before Spring nesting begins again.

If you keep a safe clean box available and provide food and water, your chances should be good. They tend to return to locations where they've had successful nestings in the past.

Congratulations on your success, and best luck,

Kenn :)

Here is a link that might be useful: A year's worth of Bluebirds
bluebars
15 years ago
Congrats! and Yes, and if you are lucky, and the winter is not too harsh, they will all stay the winter here in Maryland. They will need sources of unfrozen water, especially during freezes. Check out some of the suet mixes you can offer in your feeder in cold weather, and get your nestboxes ready for next Spring.
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/index.html
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I drove almost 2 hours today to go to a Wild Birds Unlimited store (no distance is too far when it comes to my birds!!) and I bought live mealworms (and bunches of other stuff..lol!) They are in a container with what looks like maybe oats or something ....now what do I do? Do I have to pick the worms out individually or can I just dump some out..and how many should I put out for one lonely bluebird? I am going to use my Droll Yankees covered-dome tray feeder, which also has a cage around it (cage purchased today at Wild Birds Unlimited..it seemed like a great thing!) Would that be a suitable mealworm setup? Also...if the bluebird doesn't come around...will other birds eat the mealworms? And how long would the mealworms stay alive and wiggly in below freezing temperatures?
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debbie321
15 years ago
OH WOW I love that pic in the snow!!
LindaMA
15 years ago
I love the snow picture too, Ken, would it be okay if I use that photo for my desktop wallpaper? It's adorable!

Thank you!
Linda
Ann
Original Author
15 years ago
Is there a favorite suet for blues? Does it matter what is mixed in? I can put some in the mealworm feeder for now to get them started, right?

Where do they go in the fall if they're coming back in the winter???

How do you experienced bluebirders manage your bluebird feeder when you don't know if they're around or not? I hate to put mealworms out if they're not around, but I'd hate for the mealworms to not be there if the blues check in!! Mine have made it clear they won't eat the dried worms...

I was thinking I'd get a heated bird bath and put the worms in a dish in the bird bath. Does that sound reasonable? Any other suggestions would be VERY welcome!!

Kenn, your pix are unbelievable! I LOVE THEM!

Thanks,

Ann
kenn3d
15 years ago
Ann - You'll likely get varied advice regarding suet offerings. Many folks have their own favorite recipes and success stories. Ours eat the prepared suet nuggets (from Lowe's):

But other's have told us that their Bluebirds won't touch them.

The heated birdbath is a good idea. We haven't got one, but it could make it a lot easier to keep liquid water available during the sub-freezing winter weather.

Linda - We're always delighted to have our pictures used for any personal or educational (non-commercial) purpose. That snow picture might be a bit small for use as wallpaper if you've got a large monitor, but you're very welcome to use it so if it looks ok to you.

Kenn :)

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