Bluebird Flocking Behavior

[MidTNJerry]

Hi folks,

We rarely saw bluebirds around here until last year when we hosted a pair in a newly mounted bluebird house. They successfully hatched five young ones that followed their parents around for several weeks afterward.

Now, that we're approaching nesting season again, I'm seeing a small flock of seven bluebirds that loosely stay together and are nearly always in my back yard.

I'm pretty sure that these are the parents and five young ones from last year, but I was wondering if this is typical. Anyone know for sure?

[Jeff Robinson]

Typical of Bluebirds this time of year Jerry. Soon enough, your nesting pair of Bluebirds from last year will run off all other Bluebirds, unless you have multiple boxes that would allow more than one pair to nest at your home.

Jeff

[MidTNJerry]

Thanks Jeff

I have four bluebird boxes setup and spread out across the yard. Only one of the four was used last year, I spent the rest of last year chasing sparrows out of the other three.

I'm hoping for a better occupancy rate this year.

[Jeff Robinson]

Jerry,

My back yard is about 50 yards across, and I have 2 boxes set up almost directly across the yard on the fence from each other (martin colony in between the two). The one pair never lets another pair nest in the yard, and they switch back and forth between the two boxes from year to year. I'll probably add another box or two over the next couple years and see what kind of success I have.

Have a great one!

Jeff

[RC Moser]

Jeff do you have the entry holes facing away from each other? Usually 50 yards is enough if the entry hole can't be seen between each boxes.

[Jeff Robinson]

RC,

Yes, both BB houses holes face each other. Of course, I set them up for best viewing by us, and have wondered if that may be the reason only one is ever occupied?

Jeff