By Wild Birds Unlimited
Photographs courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited
What is it about bluebirds?
They just seem to be one of the most endearing birds to be found anywhere…but why?
Maybe it’s their gentle demeanor. Social by nature and seldom alone, they rarely appear excitable or aggressive and seem to treat each other with the good-natured and calm deportment of an old friend. Truly the type of friend we all wish we had.
Could it be their melodious and enchanting song? Always pleasing to the ear and rarely missing when a family of bluebirds is nearby. Their common call note is a sweet sounding tura or turalee, and their song is a happy, musical phrase that says cheerily…cheer, cheerful, charmer. Step out into the yard and their musical interludes will immediately bring a smile to your face!
Or is it because they are just so incredibly beautiful? It would be hard to find anything as dazzling as a bluebird standing on a fence post in the early morning sun. Its brilliant blue plumage might even be said to rival the sky itself. Indeed it does.
It might be the unique relationship that has developed between us and them. Bluebirds were always cherished by early settlers, but their use of the land resulted in habitat changes that left bluebird numbers in steep decline by the mid 1960’s. Recognizing the issue, countless people began erecting nest boxes across the land, much to the benefit of bluebirds. Today, they are commonplace, not only in the countryside, but also in gracing us with their presence in our urban backyards.
Regardless of the reason, many of us cherish our relationship with our bluebirds. They are a true source of joy and our day simply would not be the same without them.
So to keep the relationship going, keep your nest boxes clean and ready and your feeders filled with their favorite foods like our Nesting SuperBlend®, Bark Butter® products and mealworms.
More and more people are successful at attracting bluebirds to their backyards and more people are coming to understand what the phrase, “the bluebird of happiness” is all about!
Tune into the WBU Nature Centered Podcast episode, “Bluebirds: Your Backyard Buddies” where John and Brian discuss how bluebirds delight us with their beautiful song, color, and wonderful demeanor. Plus, expert tips on attracting them to your yard and inviting them to raise a family.
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By Dan Heims, President, Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Photographs courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Terra Nova’s breeders have created a series of outstanding world-class echinaceas that are consistent in size, bloom power, color intensity and are a pollinator buffet. What’s not to like.
To learn more, click here for an interesting article.
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