For the last week, I have been seeking reminders that spring is just around the corner.  Fortunately, my quest has not been in vain.  A pair of bluebirds provided one such reminder.

       Several times during the past few weeks when I have walked outside to greet the morning, I have heard the soft sounds uttered by a pair of eastern bluebirds.  I know that you have probably heard bluebirds make similar sounds.  A male and female were obviously communicating with one another using soft trills lasting several seconds.  I have heard it a number of times and always found them both beautiful and soothing.

       The birds’ notes directed my gaze at the lower limbs of a nearby oak tree.  In each instance, the birds acted out the same performance.  I would spot a male and female bluebird perched several feet from one another.  The birds would continue to “talk” to one another for quite some time.  Then, when it seemed they decided I did not pose a threat, they would fly to a nearby bluebird-nesting log.  When one of the birds entered the log, the other would sit on the rim of the top of the potential nesting site.  One would enter the log, stay a short while, and then leave; its mate would then repeat the procedure.

       Although bluebirds are known to inspect potential nesting sites earlier in the winter, their activity on these February mornings reminded me that March is just a couple of weeks away.  That means winter will soon relinquish it icy grip on the land and before the end of March hosts of bluebirds will be actively nesting throughout much of Georgia.

       As such, after witnessing the bluebirds’ ritual, I realized that now is a great time to clean out, repair my existing boxes, and perhaps add another to my yard.  Who knows?  Perhaps the pair that has been inspecting this particular nesting log will decide to nest there this year.  I hope so.

       If a pair of bluebirds have already subtly reminded you that spring is lurking nearby is a similar manner, you should take the hint and get ready for the new nesting season, If you have not had to pleasure to witness such an event, don’t wait for a pair of bluebirds to remind you of this need, go ahead and make preparations for the nesting season—it will be time well spent. 

NESTING PAIR OF BLUEBIRDS