Bluebirds for Christmas Eve

I was doing the breakfast dishes on Christmas Eve and glanced out the window at the bird feeders.  I noticed this bluish bird on the thistle feeder.  Its back was to me, and I thought “That’s a strange-looking tufted titmouse.”  It took a minute to register that this blue bird with the rusty breast was in fact an Eastern Bluebird.  “In December?” I thought.
And just I was I staring at it in disbelief, a female arrived on the other feeder.  And another.  And then another male. 
What an exciting day!  Here’s hoping they remember the location of my yard and visit again. 
Bluebirds are considered to be partially migratory, following their food source.  As long as food is available, and they have shelter from cold and ice, they will stay put.  Fierce competition from other resident birds can also prompt migration.  I have heard of bluebirds staying year-round in milder winters, but in my experience with them, they left, and  always returned to my yard in March. 
I bought some mealworms today and another bluebird house.  I intend to be ready.


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