Hi Chickadee, I also live about 20 miles west of Boston (kendra we must be near each other). The bird counts I participate in indicate a relatively large population of bluebirds in this area. In Spring 2006 I started feeding the birds BOSS in one small tube feeder and than built a suet log in December and started making home-made suet mix. A couple months later (Feb 2007), two female Bluebirds showed up on the suet log. At the time, I had no idea what kind of bird it was, but figured it out and was thrilled. The Bluebirds have been coming regularly for three winters now, to eat the suet mixture, but they would disappear by Spring. I tried putting up a nest box, but despite removing several large trees and many invasive plants, the yard was still too overgrown, and the box only attracted House Wrens. I continued to clear out invasive shrubs and vines, but purposely left some dead pine snags in the back yard standing, "for the birds". Much to my shock, Bluebirds decided to nest in woodpecker holes in the pine snags last Spring! I never thought they would nest here. Three successful broods in 2 different snags - because the first snag blew over in a rain storm after the first brood, so they moved to another. A pair of Bluebirds (perhaps the same pair?) is clearly expressing their intent to nest in the snag again this year, but there are both House sparrows and House wrens in the yard. I have already set up a "decoy" nest box with a Van Ert trap and trapped one male House sparrow. There is a pair of HOSPs that are very interested in the box now, and plant to set the trap when they start to build a nest. Checking out "their snag" last month -

Kudos to you for getting them to a rehabber!! That is awesome. Sorry your male wouldn't take care of them though...Maybe he was young and needs to learn?? Donna

Any good bird identification book will tell you what a particular bird eats. As for websites, I like Cornell Lab of Ornithology (link below). Figure out which birds you'd most like to attract that are in your area at certain times of year. Finches will be attracted to your nyjer seed sock. In the winter, you may get Pine Siskins attracted to that same sock. In an irruption year, you may even get a flock of Common Redpolls in the winter. In winter I like to feed a good homemade suet. It attracts a lot of birds, but mostly I get to see woodpeckers and Bluebirds. I also keep a feeder with Black Oil Sunflower seed (summer and winter) which mostly attracts Tuffed Titmice, White Breasted Nuthatches, House Finches, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, and Black-Capped Chickadees. Another thing that will really bring them in during the winter months is a heated bird bath. I never feed the mixes. Most contain corn and millet which attract House Sparrows (a non-native species that I try to discourage). Here is a picture of an Eastern Bluebird, and Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker on a suet feeder in winter. > Here is a link that might be useful: All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Nicole, my mom's best friend found them her hospital's gift shop! I will see if they have more! You've been my hugest support through the bluesy bluebird year! I think I am going to display them and never wear them though! The other present was from my nurse practitioner's 10 year old daughter who I let have a peek at the babies before fledge. We don't have robins here but it was such a sweet sentiment!