It was by pure happenstance that several years ago the Eastern Bluebirds chose our yard in Rochester, NH, to nest in a birdhouse my dad had built. Although there was a feeder out for the birds and American Robins nesting in the holly, I wasn’t aware of the impact bluebirds would have on me.  

Since then, I have added many different feeder styles, along with various seeds, nuts, birdbaths, and nesting boxes. Wild Birds Unlimited has provided me with many of these supplies over the years. The bluebirds are especially fond of the Bark Butter and Bark Butter Bits. Honestly, all birds seem to love Bark Butter in winter. 

The number of birds on our property have increased exponentially. This winter alone, we have had over 40 bluebirds visiting daily, often sitting in the trees for much of the day. It helps that I offer lots of their favorite things: Bark Butter, live and dried mealworms, heated bird baths, and, as a special treat a few times a week, live waxworms which they absolutely relish (even more than the mealworms)!  

The last two winters I have purchased live branches with berries, greenery, and potted shrubs, adding our live Christmas tree to create a small sheltered space for the bluebirds. They enjoy eating the berries from the branches and using the area as cover. Carolina Wrens and Dark-eyed Juncos also love this space and are always bouncing around in the tree.  

I’ve also included a heated bird bath, a ground feeder with their favorite foods, and mealworm feeders. One of the feeders is caged to give protection from the more dominant birds.  

Eastern Bluebirds may have stumbled across our yard by accident, but the habitat I’ve tried to create for them is why I believe they keep coming back. Every year they have two to three broods, and I have the pleasure of watching the entire breeding cycle from my patio: feeding the babies, carrying away fecal sacs, fledging, and the father teaching the young how to catch insects.  

As I look out my window now, the territorial battles are beginning. I will miss seeing the beautiful bluebirds who brought me happiness this dreary winter, but I look forward to watching another family grow this spring!