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Health & Fitness

Birds of Bartow County ~ Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks

Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeaks are two stunning birds that nest in Bartow County. Learn how to attract them to your yard/garden.

I am combining these two stunning blue-feathered bird in a post because they have always arrived from their wintering grounds in Central America and Cuba almost on the same day each spring. 

Both like thickets and wild low shrubby areas to nest. I have the perfect habitat for them outside my yard/garden. At first glance, they look simular but a closer look will reveal that the Blue Grosbeak is larger in size and the male has rusty wing bars. The females of both species are a brownish but lovely just the same. It is hard to get photos of them. 

The Indigo Bunting is a very shy bird but will visit a feeder located near a tree or large shrub for cover. White Millet is their seed of choice. I buy the Ingles brand of Finch seed since it has a high percentage of this seed. (I do have to warn you that House Sparrows/English Sparrows also love this seed. They are baneful birds since they kill our native birds. If you have them around, I wouldn't offer this seed.) Many other native birds will enjoy this seed blend, including the Blue Grosbeak. 

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If you have the space, allow a section to go wild and maybe you will be blessed with one or both of these birds moving in for spring and summer. Including a water source in a safe area will increase your odds. They are truly breathtakingly beautiful birds, as hopefully my photos will prove. 

Peace and Happy Birding!

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Jean is a host on Birds & Blooms Magazine’s Community Forums and is the lone, bird crazy author of the blog The Joy of Bird Watching and Living a Simple Life.

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