The Bluebirds are Back

[Harry Schmeider]

I had a male bluebird arrive early as February 23rd and now I have a pair of bluebirds today March 4, 2009. Both are going in and out of the nest box and really giving it a close inspection. Both looked very healthy and looked to be mature birds. I noticed the male was pecking at the top side of the next box at the roof area. I just then remembered the duct tape is still over the ¼ inch vent area at the top of the roof and sides. The male was actually trying to removing it. I got my coat on and went out to remove the duct tape off both sides of the vent area and I noticed he was sitting in a near by tree watching me. I turn toward him and welcomed him back and at the same time he flew right at me and then returned the tree again bouncing around and flickering his wings. I’d like to think he understood what I was saying and at the same time thanked me for removing the duct tape. Both were on top of the nest box before I got back into the house. I watch them both closely from inside and they seemed happy bouncing around on top on the birdhouse. The next thing I noticed they both entered the nestbox, one after the other. They were both inside for quite sometime, I wonder what they were doing. ( little ones on the way ) lol. The weather is still cold here in Pennsylvania but we are getting warmer temperature later in the week. It’s so nice to see the bluebirds are back that means spring is just around the corner.

Harry Schmeider < Butler County Pennsylvania >

[Steve Bennett]

Hi Harry:
Your story reminds me that I need to do some cleaning out of my blue bird house. Nice story.

I think that birds sometimes understand. several years ago, we had a white dove which would come into our back yard to get water. It was very shy. One winter it was very cold and our water froze over. I was standing at the window looking out into the back yard one day when the dove flew into the yard and looked at the frozen water. It then flew down toward the window and fluttered its wings and then flew back into a tree. I went took some water into the back yard and poured over the ice, knowing that it would take several minutes before it would freeze. I went back into the house and watched the dove as it flew down and drank its water and then left. A few days later it did the same thing. It had never exhibited any behavior like this before.

Steve bennett

[Carol Buie-Jackson]

Harry, thanks for your post. I sometimes forget that not everyone has Bluebirds yearround and forget how special spotting one can be to someone who has lived the winter without them! Good luck on many successful broods this season and can't wait for your updates.
cbj
ps--we had 92 ppl at the HAWK meeting last night. Bodes well for your meeting this fall. Lots of interest out there!