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Wintering Bluebirds

Posted on January 6, 2003

Question:
Hello Chuck,

My wife and I live on a golf course in PA and love watching as well as monitoring the bluebirds. I feed them mealworms in the winter every morning and when there is snow on the ground I feed them morning and evening. I was wondering how big of area the bluebirds travel normally or if there is a change in winter to summer? I have read where they are very territorial while breeding but don't know about other times.

One other question is someone told me that if I block off the vents in the bird boxes they will use the boxes for roosting in the winter, is this true?

Thank you,
Eugene

Answer:
Bluebirds normally migrate from our Indiana area but I have known some to stay some years. Sounds like you have a good feeding routine. Thats great. Yes nest boxes can be used for roosting through winter time. In summer the roosts should not be closer than 100 yards as this is their territory. Most birds in winter loose this territorial urge and will commune together. I cannot say that for sure of the bluebirds but would guess they would. There is a bluebird society and if you have not already you should look for a local chapter in your area. Good luck, Chuck.

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