22 Nov 2011
BLUEBIRDS RETURN 2011
A LITTLE STORY ABOUT OUR BLUEBIRDS
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The past few years we have had a pair of Bluebirds with us year around. Last year there was three a male and two females. This past summer we did not see any Bluebirds. Yesterday they are back. It usually about this time of year we start to see more Bluebird activity. 2008 and 2009 we only had the pair, and a guest or two. Last year we had the three and then during the winter we had many. Best count at one time was eight at the feeders. Most likely the actual total count was more but we could not see them all at once.
We had wondered all summer what happened to our Bluebirds. Now that they are back we will have to put out some Meal worms and our Peanut Butter mix for them. Also Heated Water’s will be set up. This of course is great for the other winter birds as they all like what we are feeding.
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This winter I am going to try getting some Video’s of the Bluebirds. So projects for tomorrow are Set-up Heated Water’s, Put out first log feeders with Peanut Butter Mix. Orange flavored Suit and Meal Worms are out. Also start mixing fruit and nuts into seed mix.
We don’t have any bird houses up. There are thousands of natural nesting sites in our wood lots. Have been thinking some roosting boxes would be good in the cold winter. Chipmunks seem to be gone until spring so Red and Gray Squirrels are the only problem. Seem like only two Red Squirrels but 6 or 7 or more Gray. Red Squirrels are not much of a problem as they mostly feed on the ground with the doves and other ground feeders. Gray Squirrels on the other hand seem to have no scruples and consume most all bird food. We do have a feeding station for the Squirrels and as long as they stay there we have no problem with them but this year they are feeding heavily at the bird feeders so we are on the warpath for them.
As we bring this post to a close would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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Nice story.Lovely pictures!!!! Thanks for sharing these pictures. Love looking close up at nature. Bluebirds are scarce in our area. Tell me more about the “heated” watering??? Does it work well?
Seems like years ago I bought a small round disc heater with a long chord to lie in a bird bath, but it didn’t work well.
Jeanie
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
November 22nd, 2011 at 10:36 am
Good morning Jeanie: I buy the heated waterers at Wild Birds Unlimited there are three stores in Columbus. I use the plain black one nothing fancy. I think they are made by
Farm Innovators. A Google search finds a lot of different kinds.
Have a great day,
John
[Reply]
Jeanie Merritt
November 22nd, 2011 at 4:48 ampermalink
hello John and Lizards,
Nice story on the bluebirds. I was with Dad and a friend the other day at a wildlife sanctuary where we saw bluebird houses. My friend asked me if I had ever seen any bluebirds there. I said no. right after that one landed in a tree nearby. I was so excited! This was the first time I’d seen one. Couldn’t get a picture of it, though.
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 pm
HI Karen: Liza wants to know whats with the Lizards? Bluebirds are a beautiful bird. Do you get them at your house. They are easy to attract if they are in the neighborhood.
Have a great evening,
John
[Reply]
Karen Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 1:09 am
Hello John: Sorry I never replied sooner. LOL about the lizards. I was making that comment using my cell phone. I don’t know if you’re familiar with how some phones can automatically pick out a word for you as your typing (or Swyping, in some cases). Sometimes it picks out the wrong word, and in this case I didn’t notice. LOL!!!! Anyhow, I have not seen any bluebirds around here, but maybe I’ll try putting up a bluebird house and see if I can attract a pair. I have seen many other birds here, including Baltimore Orioles.
Karen
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:34 am
Hi Karen: We had figured that something like that happened. Try Putting some Orange Flavored Suit, Peanut butter with Grape Jelly mix and Dried Meal Worms. at a feeding station for them.
Have a great day,
John
karen Coffelt
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:53 pmpermalink
Enjoyed the bluebird commentary and pictures
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Hi Cynthia: We love the bluebirds hope they keep coming. Your favorite the Cardinals are still here but only one pair right now. Will try to get some photos of them.
Have a great evening,
John
[Reply]
Cynthia
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 pmpermalink
I haven’t seen a bluebird in years! Guess they’re not fond of the desert.
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Good Morning Liza: You are right on the edge of the range of all three Bluebirds, Eastern, Western and Mountain. They are primarily an insect eater. here is a link to some info about Bluebirds in NM.
Have a wonderful day,
John
[Reply]
Liza
November 29th, 2011 at 10:05 ampermalink
Hi John, I always love your bird posts and this one is no exception! What beautiful little birds the bluebirds are – and even bluer than I ever imagined!
I hope the squirrels leave them some food!
[Reply]
jwlw Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 9:35 am
Good Morning Heidi: Bluebirds are beautiful, you must have some bird that is similar. Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great day,
John
[Reply]
Heidi
December 1st, 2011 at 6:44 ampermalink