The Beautiful Eastern Bluebird Of the many North American birds found in the Midwest region, the Eastern Bluebird is among the most popular. The male’s back is a beautiful bright blue with a significantly contrasting rusty-colored breast. The female, as in most birds, is less colorful. This bluebird is primarily found nesting in natural cavities along the roadside and in farmyards, but their popularity has avid bird watchers creating a natural habitat in back yards to be able to observe them up close and personal. become a large part of their diet, so when you are planning your landscaping, keep that in mind and you will be surprised with the beautiful color that will grace your yard.
We've all heard the term "birds of a feather flock together". From that you might think that statement is correct just because they like being with their own kind. Yes, that is true, but not the only reason that birds do flock together.
Being part of a large flock will increase a bird's survival rate against larger predators by a huge percentage. As you will notice in the video, a flock will get tight and swoop and dive rather sporadically in order to confuse and evade their predator. Another advantage to being part of a large group is just that many more eyes on watch for something coming their way. Within the flock, there is communication about the best places to find food. It has been noted, too, that two or more different kinds of birds may join flocks for their mutual benefit. It is common around our back yard to see large groups of Brown Headed Cowbirds and Grackles show up simultaneously and completely take over the feeder. During migration season in August there may be up to a half million Purple Martins in a flock. That would definitely be a phenomenon to observe. Check out this video of a very large flock in flight.
 March
is fast approaching and before we know it the sun will be bearing down,
snow will be gladly disappearing into spring and with that comes my
favorite backyard visitor. Yes, the beautiful Eastern Bluebird.If you haven't already done this, take your bluebird house(s) down and prepare them for new tenants. Check them for damaged roofs or for exposed nails that have worked their way out or any flaw that might accidentally injure the birds. Clean any old nesting material out that could possibly have any type of parasite in it. This will give the new nesting family the best opportunity for a healthy start on a new family. If you do not already have some sort of raccoon baffle on the post or pole, you must get one. It is an absolute necessity to keep the pesky predators from getting the eggs and/or babies. The baffle should be a 24" cylindrical metal sleeve in order to be completely effective. Also, do not mount the birdhouse near a fence row or an area close to the house that will become overgrown with brush, because this will enable snakes to make their way into the box very easily. We learned this lesson the hard way early on in our birdwatching years and lost a complete nest of young ones. If you are wanting to put up more than one bluebird house, try to get them at least 300 ft. apart. Here are some guidelines to build a simple house for the Eastern Bluebird: Dimensions - 5" x 5" x 8" high, with a 1-1/2" hole centered 6" above the floor Making one side to swing open allows for easier cleaning and will also let you peak in the nest periodically without disturbing things. Best made out of rough cedar Mount 5 - 10' high preferably in open area, but close enough to surrounding trees for when the young birds fly from the nest. Then sit back and enjoy the show.
If you are a fan of the majestic Eagle, but like myself are rarely are in a position to observe them, plan to go next year to an actual Eagle Days event. There are several in Missouri usually in December and January. Squaw Creek, north of St. Joseph, Mo. is one site, Clarksville, Mo. is another. These areas will offer programs on specific days and will display an eagle along with other birds of prey for viewing. If you cannot attend an official Eagle Days event, drive around any area lake where water fowl migrate to in the winter, or watch along a river bluff to possibly catch a glimpse of these massive, graceful birds. Check out this video to see eagles in action.
 I've never given thought to the Bobwhite Quail being the subject of a cartoonist, but I found this in a local magazine to be rather amusing.The Bobwhite Quail was so named because of its distinctive call that translated to, you guessed it, "bob white". The markings on its head consist of a pronounced black or brown cap stripe behind the eye and along the head. It is black on the males and brown on the females. Their bodies are brown and black speckled which serves them very well for ground camouflage from their predators. During the non-mating season, they are usually found in "coveys", maybe a group of 30 or more, but during mating, the covey will disburse into pairs. The Bobwhite Quail typically only weigh approximately 6 ounces but have a large breast area which is why they are the favorite of many hunters. Quail makes a tasty, succulent entree for the dinner table. Check out an earlier post "Bird Watching/Hunting" for tips on preparing Quail. Keep your ears open for that "bob white" or "bob bob white" call.
Something novice bird watchers/feeders may not know is the
best type of seed to use. The black-oil
sunflower seed seems to be the seed of
choice for most birds. The shell
is quite a bit thinner than the striped version and the nut inside is
larger.
 If the smaller birds
cannot crack the seed with their beak, they are perfectly okay with picking up
bits and pieces that have made it to the ground. Shelled peanuts
are also a very popular item at feeders with woodpeckers, titmice, bluejays and
nuthatches. Peanuts are considered
high protein/high energy food for them.From there, going down the list of different seed types is safflower – often preferred by the cardinal and undesirable to the blackbirds and starlings. Nyjer seed or thistle is a favorite of the finch family and pine siskins. The only drawback to thistle is that it will tend to go bad pretty quickly if left in the bottom of a finch feeder where it cannot be reached. Cracked corn and white millet are often used for fillers in bags of mixed birdseed. We have found the larger red millet is almost always left on the feeder if it is in the bag of mixed. It is just a matter of getting to know what birds you have and what they prefer. Another very beneficial winter offering for most birds is suet. It helps to provide needed fat and protein to sustain them through the coldest months. Naturally you can purchase suet cakes in most pet departments or you can make your own with this recipe. Mix it up and put in greased pan and refrigerate until more solid, then cut it to fit your suet feeder. You can freeze what you don’t put out. The birds will love you for it! SUET CAKES 1 pound lard
1-cup chunky peanut butter
1-cup cornmeal
1-cup oats
1-cup wild birdseed mix
1 cup sunflower seeds
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The bluebird exhibits a lovely, calming personality whether they are in the nesting phase or feeding their young. Watching a pair of bluebirds tending their nestlings is one of the joys of life everyone should experience. They can be observed fairly close up, compared to other species, and do not seem to be bothered by on-lookers. They are so graceful in flight and upon landing and steadfast when it comes to watching for that insect on the ground that will become a tidbit in the nesting box. If the bluebird stays around in the colder months, berries will 