This is the southern edge of the bluebird range. They live here year-round. They eat insects, are territorial, and can have up to 2 broods per year. I maintain 2 nest boxes, and had to space the nest boxes 300 feet apart because of their territorial nature and need for open hunting space.
There are many different bird species living here. They cooperate and compete with each other. Fun to watch.
The finches swarm with the bluebirds for mutual protection (I call them the “Storm Troopers”… more on that later) when they are around. The woodpeckers don’t eat the same bugs as the bluebirds, yet they compete for nesting space. I have daily drama here, and putting a brass door guard on one bluebird nest box bought some time. I had to do that due to the recent rearrangement of the natural order here.
I don’t feed the wildlife, because it disrupts their balance and causes disease. I read that feeding the purple martins mealworms causes club-foot, for example.
All the birds need is habitat on suitable terrain. I only spot treat with pesticides (the correct ones), and the ibis birds reward me with free lawn aeration and fertilization service during their migration. Many of the birds know me, but are naturally wary and shy. The bluebirds have come close to me, but only to to alert me about certain predators, e.g. the corn snakes. Harmony. Long story.
I will tell you about the owl, Julia, the hawk, and other critters like the skinks later. It is all inter-related. Photos to come.