Bluebirds have been making a comeback in our neighborhood for some time now. While a few pairs are definitely around in spring and summer, I notice them mostly in winter. That’s because they band together in flocks for protection and to search for food. Their bright blue and russet colors are easy to spot against the dull gray of winter.
Unlike many birds, bluebirds are not seed eaters. They prefer insects supplemented with berries, both of which are often in short supply at this time of year. Because their diet is so limited they benefit from human help. This is especially true during brutal cold snaps. All birds need extra calories to keep warm, especially at night when the mercury plunges.