Back to Ask the Naturalist	The Naturalist:
	Early Spring Bluebirds and Robins

What can you do for early Bluebirds and Robins?

A lot of people call with early Bluebird and Robin sightings. Some of these birds never leave the state and fare well in mild temperatures. Bluebirds and Robins are usually early returning migrants, often arriving in late February or early March. It is always a risk for them. If the weather turns bitterly cold and we get heavy snow, mortality can be high. But usually the warm temperatures return and the snow melts quickly after spring snow storms.

In any case, there is little you can do to assist their survival. Both Robins and Bluebirds will feed on berries when their normal diet of insects and worms are unavailable. You can try putting out pieces of chopped-up fruit and suet for them, scattering it in an open area near where they often perch. Occasionally, Bluebirds visit feeders for suet or sunflower hearts. If you feel adventurous, you can grow meal worms and put them out.

Other early spring arrivals, like Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Killdeer and Woodcock signal that it won't be long before other birds return and nesting activity begins. If you haven't cleaned your bird houses or want to put one up, early spring is the time.