Eastern Bluebirds at Sideline 34

[oridgen10]

Today we found at least 3 male Eastern Bluebirds vocalizing and feeding off of Sumac on Sideline 34 road, about 150 meters south of the power lines. Sideline 34 is east of the intersection of Scarborough-Pickering Townline road and Concession 3, north of the zoo. What are your thoughts? Are they wintering, or just really late? We have several photos. Also checked Reesor Pond, we saw one blue-morph Snow Goose at the northwest corner of the pond amidst thousands of Canadas.

[Kris Ito]

Small flocks of bluebirds will overwinter if they find an adequate food source. So yes it's possible your birds plan to stay but it's still maybe a bit early to be sure. I've never had the pleasure of finding bluebirds in winter - must be a real treat! Here is a range map from ebird showing winter sightings from Dec-Feb over all years, just to give you an idea:
[attachment=0:1da508pd]BluebirdMap.jpg[/attachment:1da508pd]

[lovemypt]

I've seen them at Bronte park over the winters, but not last year

[crawshaw]

I used to live right there on Conch 3, and have seen bluebirds along that road quite commonly including in February, so I think it's a favorite wintering spot for a pair.

[Kris Ito]

My friend Theresa and I found 5 Bluebirds today in the same location, so looks like your birds are indeed overwintering in the area. This is the same road that hosted a large flock of Rusty Blackbirds last winter, though no sign of them today.  -kris