We have had bluebirds nesting in our backyard every year (except one) for the past 15 years. For years, we never saw a bluebird in or near our yard, then one spring we saw a couple at our birdbath and soon after, they began nesting.
There has been a pair of blues hanging around all winter. I assume it’s the same pair that pulled off two broods last summer. Early on, they checked out the birdhouse on the fence and I knew they would build a nest there this spring. They started last Sunday and were finished by Monday. They are amazing little engineers. Now, it’s waiting time until the hen has deposited her 4 or 5 eggs in the nest and begins the incubation period.
Last spring, she was sitting on the nest by April 1 and I assume it will be about the same time frame this spring. Soon, I will be able to tell if this is the same couple as last year as I know their personalties. Both were friendly last spring when I fed them mealworms. Neither seemed concerned at my presence near their food bowl. I could usually get within a few feet. Last year, they would both swoop to the feeder then the male would let the female feed the young ones first, then he fed them his beak-full of “mealies”.
Next week, I’ll order 25,000 mealworms. They keep well in the refrigerator and I hope to be feeding my little blue friends until they complete their second nest.