I Know Why the Bluebird is Mad

Have you seen the picture of 'The Angry Bluebird"? Several years ago an artist's rendering of a puffed out bluebird, rust covered chest, furrowed brow, beady black eyes appeared in all sorts of places from sweatshirts to stained glass wall art. My favorite was the stained glass hanging which sits on my desk.

Bluebirds are such striking birds. From the back the male is a vivid blue color. The first winter we were here I was delighted to see 2 bluebirds perched on our deck railing. The next spring a friend sent me a bluebird box. Within a week of mounting it, we were rewarded as we watched a pair of bluebirds flying back and forth with grasses in their beaks. A house was becoming a home. We enjoyed watching the goings on and for 2 years our house raised bluebird families. They only lived in the home during the summer. Once the fledglings had flown the nest the parents left as well.

Then everything changed. During the winter a house sparrow family moved in. They enjoyed the protection of the box during the winter, and rasied their family in the summer. The bluebirds came back a couple of times but the house was occupied. Last fall in a desperate attempt to return the home to it's rightfull owners I cleaned out the box and left it open for several weeks. The house stayed vacant.

In January I was delighted to see 6 bluebirds flying around the house, and checking it out. I was very hopeful.

Then last week there was a showdown. 2 Bluebirds came to investigate. The house was empty, but a sparrow perched outside. The bluebirds flew at it, but she wouldn't budge. They tried several times and finally left. By the weekend, I could see the sparrows flying back and forth with grasses. Once again they had asserted Squatter's Rights.

If I was a bank I might just evict them, but I realize that as much as I want the bluebirds to move in, I can't legislate who lives in my house. As it is, I'm glad my house isn't sitting vacant and unused. The sparrows aren't as pretty, but their babies are safe in a well-built house in a nice neighborhood.

The next time I see a mad bluebird perched on my deck rail I'll just remind him he has no one to blame but himself! Sooner or later you have to stand up for yourself.

And the winner is....

It seems official. I've been watching my feeder for the last few days and I haven't seen my Bluebirds. Today is my official "Feederwatch" day, and I hoped to get up early enough to catch them, but I haven't seen one all morning. The sparrows are definitely in control of the bird house and peace seems to be reigning in the yard.

The species of birds visiting the feeder have changed a lot as well. I have seen several Cowbirds, Goldfinches, Grackles, and Red-Winged Blackbirds. The Mourning Doves still visit, but in reduced numbers. With Spring comes fresh food for most of the birds and the number of visitors shows it. The Juncos, Chickadees and Woodpeckers are seen much less frequently. I haven't seen the first Cardinal this morning.

It is fun to see the nests pop up. Today, I had an "AHA!" moment as I looked at the pieces of grass on the stoop in front of the front door. I had noticed them before. It looked as though someone had recently mowed, but that wasn't the case. Then, I checked behind the wreath on the door, and there was the cause! The House Finches have built a nest in my wreath, just like they did last year!

It always surprises me that a door that is opened at least a few times each day seems like a suitable place to raise their young! As I faced the nest I couldn't see the birds at all so it makes a very nice hiding place for them.

When I open the door they fly off and watch me from the nearby Pear tree. Once the eggs hatch, we'll be careful not to use that door if possible.

Feederwatch officially ends next week, but I'll be watching all summer long. I learned so much from watching them. I can now identify some by flight, some by shape, and I'm beginning to pick out their songs. And sing they do! Their songs start early. With the windows open at night I may find my mornings start earlier too!