What are the Bluebirds Doing?
Recently, I’ve noticed strange behavior with some of the birds in my area. A small flock of Western Bluebirds appeared to be engaging in nesting behavior… in November.
What’s going on?
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I live in North Carolina and it is December 20th. I just watched several bluebirds flying around and landing on the bluebird box we have in the yard. I don’t ever remember seeing bluebirds this time of year. But it keeps getting cold and then warming back up. Will they be OK staying this time of year? Aren’t they suppose to fly south for winter. It was 18 degrees a couple of days ago and now it is in the 50’s?
Hi Jane, Great observations. Well, I can tell you that we have Western and Mountain Bluebirds here in Colorado year round and they are just fine. What other species have you observed in the winter in your area before? Are they similar/different from the bluebirds? One more question, have you ever used e-bird? Here is a link that will take you the the species bar charts in your area and allow you to see what is typical for the bluebirds this time of year in your area. LINK Good luck. I’d love to hear what you discover. All the best, Kristi
How cool–In early November I was out by the river near Valle de Oro in Albuquerque and noticed a number of bluebirds, both western and eastern, who seemed to be chasing each other around. I saw the same behavior with a couple of northern Flickers. As I watched, I saw that both of these species were focused on cavities, bringing materials to the cavity and working on them. One would be at the cavity, and another would come up and the first would fly away. I thought maybe they were competing for cavities to roost in for the winter. But now I’m wondering about another scenario: Could they have been bluebird and flicker partners and or families just getting their roost ready to stay cozy together through the winter?
Hi Again Deanna, I would love to hear more about your observations if you get a chance to get back out there from time to time. I am very curious about this behavior. Plus, it’s so nice to have reports from folks all across the country to compare with. ~Kristi
Hello! I have been having the same observation of our eastern bluebirds exhibiting nesting behavior, now in early December. Thank you for clarifying my suspicion about them looking for a place to roost/sleep in the colder temps. I must say though, that I have not seen them actually go in the box. Mainly on top, and at the entrance hole of one of the several nesting boxes within sight of my deck. I am thinking of building a little bigger, enclosed box for any bird that might display the need to huddle up.
Hi Cindy, I think that’s a great idea. Habitat loss is one of the biggest factors impacting avian survival these days. Providing more habitat (nesting boxes, planting native trees and shrubs, water features, etc) goes a long way. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been curious about what’s happening in other parts of the country. ~Kristi