Our Expert Offers Tips And Tricks To Bring Wintering Bluebirds Into Your Yard

With winter in full swing, birds may have become more scarce in your area. Many birds have migrated south to Mexico and warm southeastern states. Still, others may have migrated south to you. If you have recently seen wintering bluebirds in your community, and if you haven't, there could be a few ways to bring them to your yard! House Digest spoke exclusively with Zach Hutchinson, the Head Flocker of Flocking Around, to learn some tips and tricks for bringing wintering bluebirds to your seed feeders.

There are some types of birds you specifically want in your yard, and if you are an avid birdwatcher, you may be hoping to see some wintering bluebirds. The first thing Hutchinson suggests is adjusting your bird feed, as wintering bluebirds can be picky eaters. "Mixing in mealworms, black fly larvae, or dried fruit and berries, like blueberries, can offer the necessary attractants to lure in bluebirds," Hutchinson said. "Bluebirds rarely appreciate a seed buffet, so feeders should combine multiple ingredients to attract a wide variety of birds."

Hutchinson also recommends using a heated birdbath, as during the winter, it can be difficult for these birds to find shallow drinking and bathing water that hasn't frozen over. "Providing a heated birdbath is the cherry on top of the bluebird attractant sundae," he explained. Birdbaths can also help support birds during hot summer months when water sources can also be sparse. For inspiration on what birdbath to add to your garden, check out the different types of heated bird baths available for freezing winters.

If you are a birdwatcher trying to see all the birds native to your area or just looking to see more color in your yard during the winter months, attracting birds to your home can be a fun hobby. There are many common birds you might find in your garden in the winter, including the bluebird! While adjusting your bird feed and adding a heated birdbath are both great ways to attract wintering bluebirds, none of these measures will work if bluebirds don't winter in your area. During House Digest's exclusive interview with Zach Hutchinson, he explained where you can find bluebirds in the United States.

According to Hutchinson, "Eastern Bluebirds can be found almost year-round in eastern and central states." Western Bluebirds, he says, live on the coastline from Pacific states to southwestern states throughout the year. However, during the winter, Western Bluebirds also find new places to live within those states. Finally, the Mountain Bluebird can be found all year in the Intermountain West. These birds also visit the southwestern states and the Great and High Plains. "The wintering range of all bluebirds has shifted over the decades, so we can continue to expect to find bluebirds in spaces they were previously less expected," Hutchinson explained.

One key way to help birds during the winter is to provide them with some of the essential resources they need to survive. Allowing for access to these valuable goods during these months can help increase the chances these birds might visit your yard. When it comes to helping avian friends, you'll also want to make sure you are avoiding mistakes when feeding the bluebirds in your garden. House Digest spoke exclusively with Zach Hutchinson, who shared what resources are essential for wintering bluebirds.

Hutchinson shared that while bluebirds are usually able to find food during the winter, open water and spaces to live in prove to be the most difficult to acquire. "Providing a heated water source and properly spaced, built, and protected bluebird boxes offers the hydration and shelter needed to thrive during our cold months." Installing a heated water source and building a bluebird box can help support the bluebird population when these roosting spaces are otherwise scarce. Not only would you be helping support these animals, but this is another way to increase the likelihood of seeing some bluebirds in your yard this winter. If you do decide to build a bluebird box, here are some tips and tricks to consider when building bluebird houses or nesting boxes.