Photo Essay: Eastern Bluebirds in the Garden

By Girish Bhatt, EMGV

It’s the time of year again – the birds (and many other animals!) in our gardens are becoming much more active as they get ready to pair up and begin nesting. Durham County Extension Master Gardener Girish Bhatt took these photos last year of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds in his garden, and is excited to see who shows up this year!

The typical question when the kids leave home: but who’s going to clean up this mess! (While the birds can do part of it on their own, it’s always helpful to clear things out between seasons to give them a fresh start next year[3].

[1] All About Birds: Eastern Bluebird – https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/lifehistory

[2] Nature’s Best Hope presentation by Dr. Doug Tallamy – https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/Resources/Natures-Best-Hope

[3] Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Plan and Information – https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/eastern-bluebird/?__hstc=75100365.77a082a028b0a356936a8a30bdedf75f.1612989955604.1612989955604.1612989955604.1&__hssc=75100365.2.1612989955605&__hsfp=1797691492#_ga=2.60587691.701328018.1612989955-1127369207.1612989955