The bluebirds have been busy! Not as busy as they will be in a few weeks, but busy. Lots of nest building and courtship going on. Mama has been begging Daddy for worms and he 
picks up one out of the feeder and takes it to her. They do this every year, I’m not sure what purpose it serves, but a part of the spring ritual. All bluebirds do it.
Mama is busy finishing the nest. She spent quite awhile inside this morning. Daddy brought some strands of grass and passed to her. I also saw him bring a bug and pass it into the box. He’ll be doing a lot of that soon. That is Mama on the box.
An Eastern Phoebe landed on the nest box this morning and I ran for my camera. But, needless to say before I could capture the scene I knew was coming, Daddy had chased her away. He pays little mind to the numerous House Finches, juncos and goldfinches that feed in the back yard, but aggressively chases any cowbird, House Sparrow or starling within sight.
The birds seem to be a little ahead of last year’s schedule. The nest wasn’t completed until 
26 March and the first egg laid on 30 March. The current nest is pretty much complete now, but Mama seems to be putting on the finishing touches. You know how women are. Photo of today’s nest in the early morning light.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Bluebird Diary 
I look forward to each update, and enjoy them all. Thanks!
Came over from wildlife watchers blog. Looking forward to following your bluebird family on your blog!
Welcome to the Bluebird Diary. Hope you enjoy. We had a neighbor over late this afternoon and sat out on the patio. She hadn’t seen bluebirds. Of course, when Daddy saw the worm-man out there he came and landed near the patio. I moved his feeder up next to the edge of the patio and called to him. He came up within a few feet of us and fed on the worms. Mama won’t come near strangers and Daddy never took her a worm. People who haven’t been this close to bluebirds really enjoy it.
Hi Lindell, How wonderful for you. We have quite a few Eastern Phoebes here in our part of Tennessee in the late spring and summer months. I do believe that the father Eastern Bluebird is defending his nest and coming babies. That is a good thing. Have a great day and I want to wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
I haven’t posted in a few days since there hasn’t been any activity. Mama has been in the box all morning today, though. I have a feeling when I see her outside and I check the box we may have a pretty blue egg.