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March 4th, 2024 by Elise Tillinghast This Week in the Woods

March: Week One

March bluebirds

This Week in the Woods, we were delighted to see this eastern bluebird pair, a few yards away from an available bird house. Bluebirds are partial migrants, and during a mild winter season, when dried fruits and other food is available, some hardy birds will linger in our area. This is prime singing time for males as they woo females (or perhaps seek to impress their mates – many bluebirds return to our region already coupled up). The male in this photo was warbling his heart out.

As this month progresses, you may see bluebird pairs flying around together to inspect potential nesting sites. They seek out tree holes or bird boxes in open habitat such as fields, beaver wetlands, or suburban lawns. The male’s courtship display includes a big show of fluttering his wings and carrying nesting materials in his beak, despite the fact that he does not, in fact, help with nest building.

What have you noticed in the woods this week? Submit a recent photo for possible inclusion in our monthly online Reader Photo Gallery.

by Elise Tillinghast

© by the author; this article may not be copied or reproduced without the author's consent.

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Discussion *

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Mar 07, 2024

I enjoyed reading about your success with Eastern Bluebirds. I’m used to them losing out to invasive English sparrows rather than to our tree swallows.

Carol Hausner
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Mar 05, 2024

Our bluebird family has overwintered for several years.  Papa and Mama bluebird hang out with their previous season’s brood, feasting on the dried mealworms we provide every morning (they are waiting at sun-up). They have learned to peck on the suet over the years by watching other birds. This year the family group numbered 7.  At some time each year, Mama and Papa shoo away their brood.  This year it was a record-setting (for us) March 4.  We have 7 nest boxes.  The bluebirds have to work hard to remain in possession of 1 after the tree swallows arrive.

Debbie Marcus

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