Birdfeeders

Now that bluebird populations are coming back, there is a bluebird species in all of the lower 48 states. Mountain bluebirds are larger and stronger than the other two species and even breeds as far north as eastern Alaska. This species also needs a slightly larger birdhouse hole (1 9/16 inches instead of 1 1/2 inches). Mountain bluebirds also do more migrating than the others as they winter in Texas in large flocks. Eastern and western bluebirds only migrate far enough south to find reliable food supplies. Interestingly, bluebirds flock in the winter and even sleep together in bluebird houses or tree cavities on cold nights. During mild winters, they may even stay near their breeding areas if there is food available. Bluebirds always seem to enjoy using bluebird houses, so it is great fun to have at least one in your yard. By early February there is activity around bluebird houses which continues through May anyway. We have found that having 2-3 bluebird houses if you have the space, offers a better opportunity to attract them, even if starlings or house finches manage to occupy one.