In the past 2 years, I have found a love for Eastern Bluebirds. I have a pair that is currently nesting in my backyard among our blueberry bushes and under a giant oak. I get so much joy from seeing them go in and out of the nesting box and periodically checking for eggs and eventually the progress of the chicks. I have taken on the role of protector and had to even remove a nest of an intruder, the House Sparrow. I enjoy seeing the fledglings grow and last summer I was able to catch them leaving the nest for the first time (thanks to the quarantine).

These vibrant small song birds are part of the thrush family. The males have rusty colored breasts with a bright blue back. Females are grayish above and have blueish wings and tails with a subdued rust breast.

They love to perch on wires, posts, low branches and scan the ground for insects. They feed on berries as well. They can see a caterpillar from over 50 yards away.

Their habitat includes openings surrounded by trees as well as open neighborhood backyards. They nest in trees that offer suitable holes, however bluebird nest boxes are becoming popular. Bluebirds are now a common sight on golf courses, roadsides and other open areas.

These special birds are quite used to human activity and will tolerate movement around their nests. This is my second season with a nesting box and I have had 3 clutches to hatch. My bluebirds don’t seem to mind the constant activity of my three dogs in the backyard. Bluebird boxes are a great way to get kids involved. You can build them together, pick the perfect spot so you can watch all the activity as the male and female birds help each other build the nest and then see the eggs from start to finish. For nesting box instructions click here.

For more information about bluebirds visit these links. If you have any questions about bluebirds or other wildlife, contact me at abest22@uga.edu or give the office a call at 770-784-2010.

https://fcmasternaturalists.com/eastern-bluebird/

https://gadnr.org/out-my-backdoor-whats-best-bluebird-box-design

Posted in: