One of the more lovely birds that come to visit our feeders are bluebirds. Prior to the blizzard of last week, half a dozen descended on the back yard feeder looking to stock up before the bad weather hit. Too many were sidled up bottom-to-bottom on the weighted bird bar so that it tipped and they were unable to feed. After a bit of experimentation, they soon realized that they would need to take turns in order to eat and fatten up.
This year has been a bluebird bonanza for us. A few years ago only a single pair came to our feeders and now we have at least three. We see few of these colorful flyers during the summer as the feeders with sunflower seeds are retired, keeping only the thistle feeder out for the finches. While the flowers in our garden give us many visitors in the spring, summer and fall, it is the winter feeder that gives us the most hope and happiness reminding us of all the color that will soon return.
