National Bluebird of Happiness Day ~ by Judy Ann Davis

                      September 24th is National Bluebird of Happiness Day!

For years I have tried to entice bluebirds to our yard. They were considered quite scare in our Central Pennsylvania region, but they have now begun to reappear.

Bluebird Nesting Box

Since I dabble in woodworking, especially in designing and constructing birdhouses, I made and hung a bluebird house on a portion of our wire fence once used as a dog run for our Dalmatian. Houses have to be mounted 4 to 6 feet above the ground and need to face cleared open land. Each house should also have a predator guard around the entrance hole to keep creatures from accessing the nest. (See the picture of guard on my bluebird box.)

I was thrilled the last two years when a pair decided to nest in my house. I was likewise disappointed two years in a row when the nasty sparrows chased them out into our neighbor’s yard.

The symbol of a bluebird as the harbinger of happiness is found in many cultures and may date back thousands of years. It is the most universally accepted symbol of cheerfulness, happiness, prosperity, hearth and home, good health, new births, the renewal of springtime—and the list goes on and on. In North America, the Iroquois believed the bluebird’s call could chase away Sawiskera, the spirit of the winter.

There are three species of these colorful North American birds. The Eastern and Western bluebirds have a reddish brown breast which contrasts with their predominately blue plumage. The male mountain bluebird, however, is entirely blue.

 

Here are a few of my other birdhouse creations. Although I have now moved on from designing and making birdhouses and other woodcrafts, I still tinker with my band saw, drill press, and woodworking tools to make a few things that I sell when I attend festivals to sell my books. Writing consumes most of my time these days.

Here's wishing everyone today a very joyful and productive day.

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