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Bluebirds in the Fall (Michigan)

8 years ago

This is my first year and I got two broods from the same pair. Now they come back to bathe and roust on the rain gutter and take turns investigating the house they occupied this summer.

They aren't building a nest but I'm not sure why they continue to go in and out of the house unless they're just curious. Is this normal? Will they stay for the winter in Michigan?

Comment (1)

homegrowninthe603
8 years ago
We have bluebirds, usually 2 broods each year in our boxes. It is not at all unusual for them to continue to visit the boxes...even the juveniles. I saw some do this today, but they don't nest until spring. They did not always winter here, but In recent years they have stayed and use our feeders (sunflower seeds and suet) and heated bird bath, along with the other birds. This is NH and we often have a lot of snow and cold too! Here's a picture from last winter:

Susan
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They may be local fledglings or they could be migrants. It has always been my impression that the fledglings are extremely active, chasing each other around and investigating everything. It is a short learning curve before they undertake the most difficult journey of their lives, their first fall migration. They must contend with each other and more experienced adults for food resources, because if they are not in perfect condition they have little chance of making the trip to Mexico. It is probably rare that they hurt each other by direct conflict. It is more likely that those that don't measure up in get pushed into more marginal habitats where they are unable to find enough food. Even if they don't die locally they will be ill prepared for the rigors of migration. Then again, I could be wrong.
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