A Bird Once Almost GONE FOREVER! The Eastern Bluebird
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- čas přidán 9. 04. 2021
- The Eastern Bluebird is loved by birders and non-birders alike. Learn more in this video about how to find out what these once-threatened species like to eat, how to attract Eastern Bluebirds as well learn about their nesting habits, and what you can do to help Eastern Bluebirds continue to thrive.
Tips on How to Attract an Eastern Bluebird • Tips on How to Attract...
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Video Credits:
Anthony Leatherwood
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Backyard Beauty NH
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Tarek Midani
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Photo Credits:
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Craig Cooper
David Schuster
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#lesleythebirdnerd #easternbluebird #bluebird
In the video, I said "one study showed that bluebirds preferred slightly larger nest holes, 1.75 inches" This was information I obtained directly from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A few people pointed out that Bluebirds use a 1.5-inch nest hole, that is correct as well and I should have mentioned it. Here is the link to Cornell for anyone who would like to read it, just go down to the nesting section. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/lifehistory
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I looked at the link you provided and I think they really worded that confusingly so I see now why you said that... they said that bluebirds PREFFERED bigger nest holes (1.75" *RATHER THAN* 1.4"). Right, of course they did, because 1.4" is too small! So of course they preferred the larger one! They really should clarify that. A 1.75" entrance hole would allow their competitors, non-native European starlings, to be able to get into their house, so the ideal size is 1.5".
It's like the story of Goldilocks...
1.4" is too small
1.75" is too big
1.5" is JUST right! 😃
Sorry if I got my panties in a twist there... but I guess I really love them bluebirds and wanted the correct information out there because your channel is seen by so many people!
After all, Cornell department of Ornithology IS the authority on BIRDS! Lol, 1/4 inch, I wouldn't pick, anyways!!!
Aww, thank you Lesley! These birds are pretty blue. I love the orange...
Hi my name is Thomas Love ? Blue bird are my favorite can you show me a video on different Blue bird please
@@thomaslove7278 the best thing to do is search here on youtube for "bluebird". There are many bluebird videos! 😊
I live in a rural community in Mississippi about 17 miles north of the Gulf Coast. I started building bluebird houses about 35 years ago. I now have about 130 houses in three different counties. Most of them produces three broods a year. I had about 800 birds last year and already have many with their first brood. This had been a great and enjoyable hobby for me
My hat off to you.....I have hosted many in 50 years, but you have surpassed me....CONGRATS
Mom is from Jackson 601. Never birded when l visited as a kid, it would have been too hot when we visited so we were mostly mall rats at the time 😢
You certainly have done a good amount for the environment that others should follow. A simple act with lots of perseverance. I’ll tell others about what you have done.
Last summer a baby bluebird appeared in our driveway after a storm. He was too young to fly and we weren’t sure what kind of bird it was. We took him in and raised him up and turned out to be a male bluebird and we named him Pete. Boy what a smart bird and eyesight blew me away. We did let him go when we felt he could go. I sure miss him, but he is happier now I am sure❤️🐦
Just in - Pete said he was very happy, but nothing could replace the moments he spent with your wonderful family, and will be eternally grateful for all that you have done!
Don’t be surprised if he comes back next spring! Put out a box and some feeders for him. He might introduce his girlfriend to the family!
Hi Lesley im 13 and recently have had a growing fascination with plants and birds i just wanted to tell you how much your videos mean to and how they help me get get through these tough times. thank you for everything and keep up the great work :)
Be strong in tough times stay in the day and praise the LORD
Happy Bluebirds are doing well again
Keep at it will make you happy and strong to be outdoors and not addicted to a screen!
i live in eastern most Massachusetts, I am 57 years old and have never seen a bluebird in the wild... tg for YT and people out there that care for these special creatures. Maybe one day I'll see some??
I didn't see one until during Covid-19 lockdown over the summer of 2020. I saw it flying into a bird box that is exactly as described in the video behind a smaller nature preserve/pine forest. If I am right about their bird call, it is different every time...like a free style bird call. I think I even have video.
I had no idea they're numbers were threatened. I just made a note to put up a box/house for them whenever I move into a house.
Get some boxes now find a field and ask if you can put it up tell them you will care for it and do so. When you get your house you can get more ;)
Trap sparrows in the meantime
I love these sweet little birds. We see several in our neighborhood. They make me happy
Where do you live?
Good luck and kill any house sparrows you can to keep the bluebirds safe. Learned this the hard way.
Love bluebirds! They have built a nest in my new bird box! I’m so excited! I’ve made all of my nest boxes all by myself.
Cool!!!
Thats awesome! I wish we had them
That is so awesome, I got my boxes from Wild Birds Unlimited and they have been a real hit for years.
Well done! You really deserve your success, then. 🐦
That's very exciting!🐦👍
Protect the bluebirds at all costs!
I saw a pair of bluebirds on Sunday afternoon hanging around our yard. I immediately ran to the store and bought them a nesting box. They were in the box within the first couple hours of hanging it. I couldn’t believe how quickly they moved in. They’ve been a joy to watch 🥰
Oh my! Bluebirds are so precious!! Thank you for this video, and huge gratitude to all the people who have tried so hard to protect these beautiful birds.
💙
I remember hearing about endangered bluebirds as a kid back in the 90's; I'm so glad to know conservation efforts are helping 💜
I don't know if I qualify as a "young viewer" at 28, but I'm proud to carry the torch! I live in the desert of southern California. Surprisingly, I do have bluebirds in the area, and this is my first season having a nest box out for them. I put the box out kind of late for our nesting season, so I didn't get any tenants this year, but hopefully next year! Thank you as always for your informative videos. I learned stuff about bluebird habitat loss that I haven't read before. :)
That is awesome!
best of luck next year
Brett/ Way to go! Birds are Bad Ass. I’m a mechanic and my buddy is a Federal Guard, every time we get together we talk birds . It’s just cool to talk about them with someone that likes them. So many people really do like them
I don't think your location is very far from mine but I assure you, you'll find some adorable tents sooner than later. Only don't forget to keep feeders with mealworms during the season.
Then another tip. On the southern side of your location, try to keep a few nests for bats. Easy to make these nests yourself and check DIY on YT. These birds are very rewarding both in terms of flying when no one else does then, keeping an eye on the reduction of nasty insects after sunset. Only keeping a house lamp on, nearby will assure the arrival of these tenants.
Have fun.
27 from NC I currently have grey catbirds with 5 chicks the 5th one hatched yesterday and I have built 5 different nest boxes and am now addicted to watching birds do bird things
Guess I’m the youngest viewer at 15 😂
The Bluebirds in our wildlife habitats in South Alabama already have the babies out flying around with them .They are so adorable they have 4 babies and even have our German Shepherds as protectors .The dogs keep a close eye on them barking at hawks and other predators .The dogs were raised around all manner of birds since weaning as puppies and consider all birds part of their pack .It is so cute to watch these huge intimidating dogs being so gentle around all manner of baby birds .They stand guard over the baby chicks and ducklings also letting them lie next to and on top of them .We had some would be thieves noticed this and thought they were pushovers .The thieves were still up in the trees when cops arrived .The 6 foot fence didn't slow them down one bit on their way over it after them .Never underestimate a German Shepherd in hot pursuit of a trespasser especially near their babies .
That's awesome! 😀
haha I know this all too well. I grew up with rottweilers when I was young....real young and they were absolute babies
Awe my heart ❤
I'm 20, and have always loved birds!
I'm from southwestern Ohio and we get excited whenever we just SEE an eastern bluebird! My grandma always said 'There were a lot more before the blizzard of '78. That froze out the bluebirds and the pheasants in our area.'
:( Poor little things had a rough time
We're in Chester County Pa and that's exactly around the time we used to see them all the time. Today was the first time I've seen them since then.
A friend got me into blue birds back in 1998. We planted 80 acres of trees and put fence post up so we could tell where the rows where. We added blue bird boxes to them that spring. Out of 50 we had 30 used by something. Added more boxes. Added post and boxes we now have over 100 boxes up and the are all full every year. Blue birds and tree swallows.
In all the years i have never kept count of how many i have given away or sold. But my best year i sold over 200. Most years it is around 100.
Oh and i only use reclaimed wood.
I have never seen a bluebird in my life. Seen plenty of blue jays. I saw a Baltimore oriole once. It was the coolest looking bird I ever saw.
I'm blessed here in virginia and have many around my house.i have several houses up and make and give away nest boxs to friends and family. Thanks for great video.
If you live near any large fields you may see them. English House sparrow poulations are the reason many will never see bluebirds. Start trying to control them and eliminate them from neighborhoods and bluebirds will return. I was blessed to have a baltimore oriole visit my yard all winter in PA. It was really neat and super rare. They eat grape jelly and are attracted to the color orange. Give it a shot.
@@uhill74 My dad puts out half oranges for them. They love to eat them.
Riders on the Storm
The first remarkable bird I saw this Spring 2021.. was an Oriole!
I saw my first Eastern Bluebird this winter. Two of them came and checked out my feeders. They have come back a couple of times since I put out Nesting Blend which has meal worms in it. So excited to add these beauties to my Life List. :D
Beautiful birds! just wish we had them here
My favorite little song bird. The sight of them gives so much happiness!
Can't even think of a world without our bluebirds! Thankyou, Leslie..another great video🥰
I actually have a rather nice pic of that bird, taken 20 miles N or so of Montreal. I was lucky, it was the only one seen at my sisters feeders in years.
Thanks!
I am in central Mississippi USA. For many years I have had successful bluebird boxes with babies each year. I even was able to watch a brood fledge one year! That was very exciting to see the parents wait for them to come out. My box is already being prepped for another year.
I never saw one until two years ago. I'm thankful I have.
Every video you produce are pieces of art! Best channel on CZcams
I Love Birds! And Lesley's CZcams channel is amazing.
Thanks a lot Nate
I just love birds!! Their so smart!! I dont think people realize their intellect!!
I finished 4 new bluebird houses today. Now to wait to see if they accept them.
Good luck to you
@@LesleytheBirdNerd WOW! Put two up this morning, and a male checked it out within 5 minutes!
Just makensure to eliminate any house sparrows if you have them around. You don't want to learn the hard way with dead bluebirds.
@@uhill74 I live in a third floor apartment. The house sparrows are everywhere and build nests under window air conditioners around my building. Is it possible to build a bluebird house that is safe from predators?
@@robertanderson2285 How wonderful~👍
Growing up in southern New England I didn’t see my first bluebird until 1975.
Also, I seem to remember they eat the caterpillars of the Gypsy moth.
Larry from Topeka says thank you all for all of your hardwork! Thank you birdnerd!😊
Love the eastern bluebird I use to watch them for hrs up in NY state💙💙💙
I love you!
I love your Canadian accent!
I love bluebirds! 💙
I have alot of them in my yard and occasionally will eat seed from my feeder.
Interestingly I have a wooden split rail fence. Now I know why I have so many in my yard.
Thank you for your 💓 of birds! You're easy to understand, and humble way of sharing information is a Blessing!
Thank you
💙
I'm 67 and this is the first time I've ever seen a Bluebird, though I've heard about them my entire life. I live in Miami so, that explains that. However, I have spent time in the north east with friends and family and never seen one. Thanks! I had no idea they are so beautiful.
I'm 21, so I guess I count as a younger viewer, and I am interested in bluebirds. I built a nest box for my mom and enjoy getting updates on the broods.
Our family helped our local park build and set up a Bluebird trail! It was so rewarding to see the baby bluebirds the next spring! Although I can no longer hike I know in some small way we helped generations of baby bluebirds!
I finally saw my first Bluebird pair this year today. Along with Phoebe and Tree Swallows.
I've been scouring the trails too,
nothing until now. At least 2 weeks behind even though we are ahead this spring here in Minnenowhere.
After Hurricane Michael in 2018, scores of dead trees littered our community- Panama City, FL ...they were quite unsightly - but what a surprise to see these bluebirds a couple of years later find our community quite lovely and decided to raise their broods here!
I live in central Maine, USA. I am blessed to have a bluebird pair visit my meal worm feeder. I have nest boxes, hoping they will nest also.
I hope so too!
Longtime bluebirder here, great job on the video! Others might have commented already, but posting boxes on a tree is not recommended. Getting younger people involved really is important, as after being involved for 20 years I've seen many of my bluebird mentors pass on, and when that happens it leaves bluebird boxes left behind too that end up not being monitored. I see young kids like scouts who want to help out and put up boxes but they don't always take the time to find out the correct information, and end up putting up boxes in bad places, or put them up and don't know that they should be monitored. Sharing your video, thanks!
Hey Christy
Thanks for sharing and adding in some valuable information for others to read.
I love Birds. One of God's greatest small creatures ❤
Great video!
We had very few in my area but I finally had a pair claim a bluebird house I'd put up.
The set raised 2 broods in back to back seasons.
The brood sizes were 3,4,4 and 5. Now we have bluebirds everywhere.
@ 9am, they all gather and wait for me to shake my cup of meal worms. They fly to the open feeder and wait for me to dump the food.
I decided this year that I would talk to my neighbors about hanging houses in their yards. My neighbors are all elderly and weren't capable of hanging houses.
I hung 7 houses and every one of them were taken over by bluebirds. 6 of them, as of yesterday, have hatched out. The 7th has 4 eggs and she's still sitting on them.
My neighbors have started showing up to watch me feed the birds and have coffee.
The joy and smiles that these bluebirds have brought is truly something to witness.
My advice to anyone who is interested in drawing bluebirds is to concentrate on bluebirds.
I removed all other feeders and only use enough meal worms for the bluebirds to eat until they leave. Anything left is removed until the next morning.
I have no seed feeders and that drastically cut down on the number of sparrows and starlings.
Sparrows will invade a bluebird nest and crush the eggs, building their nest on top of them.
My neighbors, who have been homebound for the most part due to covid, look forward to our morning coffee with the bluebirds.
I would advise anyone to do this. You won't be disappointed.
The only thing is that I wouldn't hang houses everywhere until the population rises. Otherwise the boxes will be taken over by other invasive species.
You're the best! Thank you!
Thanks Mike
Had no idea they were in such dire straights at one time; what an incredible recovery! Pls feature conservation efforts in more videos 💕
I will try to do that when I can
Lesleythe,? I have 18 acres and about 250 acres of woods,4 acres behind my house is meadow and I have had a super increase in bluebird population over the last 15-20 years, it’s absolutely the coolest. Thanks for another great video. You’re woods walks are awesome. Dave
Beautiful birds , great footage.
Thank God that there were people who cared and still care. Every time I see a bluebird, I remember that this little bird almost went extinct. I'm grateful that bluebirds were saved.
Wow! Today a beautiful blue bird was sitting on our deck and then flew to the feeder! We haven't seen a blue bird for over 30 years here in Pennsylvania! What timing!
Excellent. I am PA as well. Please do as much as possible to keep the invasive house sparrows away (eliminate them as you would lantern flies or mice in the house) and bluebirds will stay around.
Very nice Lesley. Good work. Thank you so much!
Glad you liked it!
I well remember the push in the 1960's to have bluebird houses up even in the coastal areas of Texas. I have seen them here in east Texas in the last 10 years too, but not frequently. There were other pushes to save birds in the 60's as well, like the Whooping Cranes in Port Aransas. Now that species as well isn't in grave danger, and as a plus there is a huge network of shorebird sanctuaries along the lower Texas coast where many species can be seen thriving. Birding is very popular in that area as it is a major migration route and any number of birds can be seen when they migrate to or from the north to Mexico and South America. Lots of people put up hummingbird feeders because they fly straight across the Gulf of Mexico from Yucatan on their way back home and desperately need to feed and rest before continuing on in the spring. Seeing dozens and dozens of those scrappy little things at feeders during that time is a sight to behold.
I didn't realize how there's something good about dead trees
I learned a useful factoid about woodpeckers and dead trees just the other day. Apparently if you have a woodpecker pecking on a tree in your yard you can rest assured that the wood is either dead or dying.
I'm not an official birder but certainly appreciate them.
60+ yrs back I'd read bird books & field guides but had never seen one live until 2002. Right place & time of year. Have to admit it was thrilling to finally see one first hand.😎
Oh, dead trees...yes, they are like feeding stations for all sort of wildlife. Some people can hardly wait to get a fallen tree chopped up & onto the woodpile cause a manicured lawn is more important to them. But it's not my place telling them otherwise.
There are many, many snags near my property and I have a lot of woodpeckers because of that.
I love the Eastern bluebirds I put a nest box up and they have nested in there every year for 5 years and they have the best personality ever! Thank you for making a video about them!
I saw some bluebirds move into my own suburb after the winter, so I just put a Birdhouse for them.
It's a little late due to my remote work, but I hope it attracts some guests!
De-sparrow in the meantime
I saw a beautiful male bluebird yesterday. It's such a rare sight I had to watch one of Leslie's videos to make sure it was a bluebird. Thank you Leslie!🐦🌹🍃
Bluebird babies at the beginning! SO cute! Hadn’t heard of the societies to protect these awesome birds before. Definitely am going to check them out thanks!
I have bluebirds come to my property every year. We have 4 nest box's and we also have bird housing for martins. It is such a joy to have such a variety of birds. The bluebirds are one of my favorite. We even have hummingbirds.
Just started seeing these guys in numbers again here in Hunterdon County NJ
Is that in northern new jersey?
@@carolynklenk8467 Hunterdon country is West central of New Jersey. Parts are very rural but the population is booming. Has changed greatly in 50+ years that I’ve lived here (born and raised) not as rural.
@@IrishPizzaMan Thanks for getting back to me!! I haven't seen these birds!!
@@carolynklenk8467 I hope one day you will get to see one soon. Do you live near New Jersey?
Here in NOVA I've been fortunate having Eastern Bluebirds the last 6 years at the feeder.
They've been feasting on mealworms, sunflower chips, and even hot pepper suet cakes.
On a different note, the 17 year cicadas emerge in our area next month. Yes sir, we have
a 2021 only ~Spring Special~ added to the menu. Lets see what birds, if any, can't resist.
We are very fortunate to have several pairs of nesting bluebirds for at least 5 years (Southern Maine). They are a joy to watch. This year one female has been trying to fly into our closed windows. I was told the she probably sees her own reflection in the glass and thinks it is another bird in her territory. I’ve taped paper over the windows on the house side facing their nest box and that seems to work.
I'm looking forward to having them comeback for the summer. They are little voyeurs too, we've had some peaking into our windows, more than likely they see their reflection, but it's still adorable 😍. P.S. I live in Northern Wisconsin right on the U.P Michigan boarder.
My son and I built a bluebird house yesterday, on Christmas :) He just turned 3 and got an Audubon kit that came with a little plush eastern bluebird under the Christmas tree. We looked up this video so he could see a "real" bluebird
Bluebirds are my favorite birds! They have been elusive to me here in Michigan, and I always get so excited if I catch a glimpse of one or hear that sweet trill. This past winter however I was putting out mealworms and I couldn't believe my eyes one morning when I had no less than 5 at my platform feeder- I was nearly in heaven! Soon a flock of starlings converged and after about 2 weeks they moved on, but what a thrill!
Adorable
Louisiana: I saw my first Bluebird in the 1970s. I told my third grade teacher who said it was a Bluejay. When I described how it was different she told me in no uncertain terms that I was mistaken, there was no such bird.
Fast forward to the mid 2000 teens and I saw another one, this time while working in Colorado. I did some research and was pleased to know that I had seen one as a child.
Back home in Louisiana, they began popping up around the house and have steadily increased. The last few years and especially this year, I see many of them every morning and evening. I am truly grateful for the work that has brought this wonderful bird back into our lives.
Last year we put a nest box up and within 20 minutes of placing it, a male and female started making it their home. They produced two broods and it was such a treat to watch the whole process. It was also amazing to see the young of the first brood assist with the feeding of the second. This year we are putting a second box up and hoping for two pairs. They bring so much joy and hours of joyful bird watching.
Good luck to you
That is so awesome! The same thing happened to us a few years back! Just a word of caution though, we were so excited and had the same intention to have more bluebirds, so we put up another box. Unfortunately, it attracted house wrens the following year and one went in and pecked the bluebird eggs... I saw him do it so I know for sure it was the wren. I think it was too close to the first bluebird house. We took it down and moved it way in the back yard (we have a rectangle-shaped 2.5 acres) where there's another bird house, but further away and closer to the ground.
Last year we had a bluebird family in the front yard in the original bluebird house (5 babies!), another one in the house we moved to the back (3 babies!), and a family of wrens in the one closer to the ground in the back. They all lived happily together, thankfully. We had another vegetable garden in between the two houses in the back which provided enough bugs for both bird families, lessening the competition for food. I'm a little nervous to see what this year will bring... hoping for the best, because we aren't planning on gardening that area this year. Just wanted to keep you from experiencing the same sadness and hard lesson we learned. I do read things online where people have many bluebird boxes next to each other with no problems though, so I know it's possible. I'm not sure why though? We have open areas and older wooded areas on our property, for reference, if that helps.
i have a couple that feeds in my backyard in southern nj, usa. thanks for the upload, love all your videos, as i am a bird nerd too :)
Thats so nice and thankyou
Just love them; that soft chirping....
Sorry to hear that
Don't know if this is the problem, but having too many bird houses (or too close together) on your property will encourage wrens... we learned that the hard way. Also, they say the number of decorative, small bird houses being hung out by people has increased the wren population unnaturally. I try to spread the word about that...
I used to see them when I was a child, eons ago. When I moved into eastern CT, I found them again, and they will visit my seed feeders and suet feeders.
Me too, mine love suet!
Do a video about the Red Winged Blackbird please!
Its on my list
Precious little Bluebirds ,the Blue birds of happiness loving them!!!!!!💝
I had several bluebird boxes when I lived in the TN valley, loved watching them! When I have a house/more property in the future, I'd love to make more nests and help out these birds!
I am fortunate to have bluebirds nesting in my yard every year for many years. I have three boxes out separated by at least 50 yards and at least two of the three always gets a nesting pair. Because I'm way down soooouuuth, where its nice and warm... ;).. i see at least two nesting, and i believe- sometimes- even a third. They are such a sight too see - their flash of intense blue shooting across the yard. I moved a box just outside my kitchen table window, it was the first box to get a pair! Now i can easily watch them as i enjoy a coffee. I also have- at least a could of bluejays nesting outside my bedroom window... first time in a long time... BUT.. i hear the squeaky gate call ALL THE TIME!!! .. WONDERFUL SPRING!
Lucky you! Best of luck to you again this year
I’m in south central Michigan, have been an outdoorsman since early childhood. I have never recognized a bluebird in my life.
Excellent video. I am fortunate in having bluebirds nest near our kitchen window. One time I was surprised by both the male and female bluebird, flying funny and very disturbed. Next, 5 nestlings jumped out of the box to the ground. I ran outside and discovered a large grey rat snake on the ground near the nest box. Well, first I caught the snake and carried it away. Then I caught each of the nestlings and placed them back in the nest box. They jumped out. They couldn’t fly, But they were following orders. After doing this MANY times, I put them in a birdcage and hung it on the nest box.Eventually the parents fed the babies THROUGH the wire! When it was apparent they could fly, (about a week later!) I opened the cage and let them fly away with their parents. There was a lot of luck involved in this whole operation, but it worked out. And as soon as the brood was raised, the parents were back to the same box and raised another brood. Bluebirds need our help providing nest boxes, and sometimes a little more.
4 years ago, I helped my son make bluebird boxes for a school project. It was part of an 8th grade assignment where students would do something for the community or environment. He had read about the decline in bluebird population and decided to build nest boxes. We built 9 of them, with plans to keep one for ourselves and donate the others to a local nature center. Within 2 minutes of installing the nest, a pair of bluebirds were checking it out. For the last 4 years, there have been 2-3 broods per year. During the spring and summer, I will see over a dozen bluebirds around the mealworm feeders. I remind him that he is partly responsible for the big increase in bluebirds around our home. They only downside is that they can go through a bag of mealworms in very little time, and they can be expensive. It is worth it though.
my mum is a major bird lover! she was so excited to find bluebirds on our farm and now our property is a state sanctuary for them. they are so cute! we are from north carolina.
So adorable! I love their sweet song.
They truly are the Bluebirds of Happiness! I live in Southeast Virginia and for the last three seasons, they have been populating my feeding station in large numbers. It’s not unusual for me to see as many as six to eight at a time winging in and out of my various feeders. They LOVE meal worms and little suet pellets sold by Wild Birds Unlimited in my area. I get such joy from seeing them, and watching the males sometimes feed the females during nesting season. Next year, I plan to put up a nesting box in my yard.
I have a Bluebird nesting box with 5 eggs on my deck as of yesterday. So excited first of the season. They’ve nested in my yard since I put out a box in 2009 and stay year round. I leave out mealworms and had 11 every morning come to my door looking for breakfast. 💙
That is awesome! SO luck
Didn’t see my first bluebird till the 90’s and now see them all the time.
Thank you, Lesley! I'd been looking forward to this one!
Thank you so much!! I just love blue birds
I have some nesting boxes
And plenty blue birds!
Hope you get to see some nest this year
@@LesleytheBirdNerd me too
I’m excited now!
These birds are so cute, especially those eyes and that wing waving, and so pretty, too! 🥰 I have a pair of bluebirds that occasionally come visit my feeders. I think they like the dried mealworms and Bark Butter suet nuggets I put out. Their visits are not as frequent as other birds, but it’s always a welcome treat to see them. Recently, I saw them try to enter a nest box I put in the tree next to the feeders, but I think it was too small for them. I felt bad for them when I saw they were struggling to get in the hole. Seeing this video and their continued struggle to thrive as a species has given me determination to save money for a nest box for them and to do more in volunteer work for birds in general. I’m 24 years old, in case you were curious. Thanks for sharing, Lesley!
Hi Brianna, too bad about the nest hole not being big enough. It is awesome about you taking an interest in helping these birds. I'm so happy that someone as young as you is getting involved. Thank you for being kind and helpful. 🐦
It's so great to hear young people like you doing things to help birds! One thing that bluebirds really like is a water source, like a bird bath, too. If you can not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on your property, that also helps them by providing healthy bugs for them to eat. Thank you for all you're doing... it's wonderful!
@@LesleytheBirdNerd Yeah. I was really looking forward to seeing Bluebirds raise their young and maybe seeing their hatchlings/fledglings. Oh, well. I hope to see that next year. It was really interesting learning about the conservation efforts of Bluebirds. For a while, I was wondering what was the significance of bluebird nest boxes at nature trails and bluebird societies. Now, I know. 🙂
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Aw, thanks! I’m deeply humbled. I can proudly say that I personally have strayed away from using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers when tending to the backyard birds. I have a bird bath, but I also would like to save money for a better one as well. Peace, and happy birding! ✌️🐦
bluebirds are so beautiful 😍
I started feeding my birds and other critters in my backyard about 2 years ago. And a few weeks ago I just so happen to see 5 of these little birds perched up on my wood fence where I usually place the bird food. I have never seen them before and was in complete awe of them. I asked others what they were describing there colors and size but everyone were as puzzled as I was. I just saw your video and now I can tell everyone else what they are now! Thank you for explaining so much about them and what draws them to our yards!! Eastern bluebirds are absolutely beautiful!!!!
I’m 21, and when I was 18 I got into the blue bird boxing volunteer work! Me and my dad, we only did it for one season (mostly because we got way too busy and Covid happened) but I’ve been itching to do it again ever since. It was so fun watching the birds grow up.
Love the bluebirds! I have 4 nest boxes on our property that are being used. Took a while to find the correct placement but all 4 are hosting nesting pairs. I built them with predator guards to help ensure successful broods. Thanks for doing this video. Hopefully others will set up nesting boxes.
i love my bluebirds, over the years i learned that if you have a small yard like mine then one nest is all that will most likely work, cause they are so territorial. they usually nest at least 3 times a year, i used to go to the bait store to get crickets for them and i would throw them for the bluebirds, they love crickets. but it can get expensive, especially when they have babies. they can eat 50 to 100 in a day easy, i've had them eat out of my hand and it was such a gift. they love a high nest, mine is 10 ft off the ground. keeping english sparrows out of it has always been my biggest problem. but i don't really have that problem anymore, once i found out how to get rid of them and keep them away. when i don't have crickets i give them meal worms and suet, they love my homemade suet. its so nice to see a family gathered around the bird bath and perched on the fence, watching the babies learn how to find insects and fend for themselves. alot of times ive seen the whole family of babies stick around and help feed the newer babies. i would have 10 or 15 of them eating crickets. i consider bluebirds to be very special and a true gift to watch and learn about
We had a sweet couple choose our nesting box! 💙 They laid their egg, raised the baby & now they're gone :( a little bluebird void in my heart! But, I'm happy they chose us for a year 😁❤
I saw in Scarlet Tangier when I was around nine or ten year old, which started my love of birds. It took me a little over forty years to see my first Eastern Bluebird, actually a small flock - an unforgettable thrill.
As a child I recall seeing one Bluebird, my father slammed on the brakes of the car to show us kids the bird. He had not seen one since he was a child. That sparked something in me, and today I boast two pairs of nesting Bluebirds in my yard. I love to watch them and I like to think they know how cherished they are.
Great video again!🙂 We have them at our house in Pennsylvania every year, and this year is no exception, as they arrived a few weeks ago. So sad to think that they almost disappeared years ago! We will do our best to protect these guys and teach our children to do the same. By the way, our kids are learning to love birds thanks in a big part to your videos, Lesley! They especially love Sweet Girl and her silly sounds!💕😄
Thanks. Nice to hear that your kids are learning to love the birds as well. Yes Sweet Girl is pretty silly lol
I absolutely loved this video, I saw an eastern blue bird for the first time this season, it was love at the first sight!
Thank you for describing structural color the way you did! I'm sooo sick of people saying "did you know blue birds aren't actually blue?!" Love your videos and instagram! Lentil is such a cutie
I got a nest in my box this year. Super stoked. I remember my dad seeing a rare one back in the 70s and being super excited. He would be glad to know the numbers are now rising. I am trying to get my kids into birding so birds are not forgotten.
I live in Maine, last year I had one bluebird. This year I have many. I also have 2 pairs in nesting box. Thank you so much for this video I learned alot.
Never seen one in the fifteen since I move back to Upstate New York. And, it's the state bird here in NY. Thanks.
Hope you get to see them soon
@@LesleytheBirdNerd Thanks. It's bound to happen. We live in in a suburban neighborhood in the Rochester area. Maybe a nesting box...
@@greatsilentwatcher You have to make sure you're not using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on your property also. They mainly eat insects, so you don't want them or their babies ingesting that crap. They really like a water source too... they love bird baths!
Do as much as possible to keep the awful invasive house sparrows away (eliminate them as you would lantern flies or mice in the house) and bluebirds will come back to the neighborhood. Until then they'll stay away.
I had the pleasure of having Blue Birds nest in one of my boxes. I had no clue what they were until my very excited neighbor told me how lucky i was to have them. They came back this year to the same box but another bird family moved in.
I have had a nest box up now for a few years and each pair has raised 3 broods. I put another box up this year in a common area in our neighborhood- 🤞🏻 for more bluebirds! Vienna VA
These guys have made quite the comeback over the decades here in southern Michigan. I didn't see them as a kid. It's not as though they're everywhere now, but they certainly aren't rare.
Pretty color mixture 🐦🐦🐦💞
In Nova Scotia🇨🇦 we lost our bluebirds years ago to the starlings. We’re supposed to have them.
Thank You for posting this. I learned much. I’m going to see about getting mealworms & nest boxes in the hopes of attracting these little angels.