Anyone seeing a bluebird up close can understand why this feathered friend symbolizes happiness. Our eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) captures the hearts of many with their vibrant plumage, and Susan Brock of Northfield is a devotee who helps spread the joy to others.

Brock’s Birnam Road home is a destination not only for bluebirds, but also for two-leggeds who check out avian dramas unfolding in several nesting boxes dotting Brock’s backyard. Brock, 81, monitors the birds with a video camera and extends the pleasure to others by maintaining an observation station. “I set a monitor under a big umbrella on a picnic table in front of my home and I put chairs out there so people can sit and watch what’s going on.” Brock sometimes provides written updates for folks to read. “People can witness the whole life cycle.”

Jinx and Howard Hastings live around the corner from Brock and greatly enjoy the scene. “Susan is devoted to making sure that the bluebirds have good houses for making nests and raising babies,” said Jinx. Howard added, “This wonderful neighborhood attraction is a lot of work for Susan, but she does it to share something that she truly loves.”

Bluebirds are migratory thrushes attracted to open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards, but Brock said that if they’re assured sources of food, water, and shelter, “they’ll move in and even stick around all winter.” Bluebirds feast mostly on insects and fruits, so they don’t go for regular feeders filled with seeds. “What they love best is mealworms,” said Brock, referring to the beetle larvae she purchases for her little friends. “That’s where most of my social security check goes,” she said. “Mealworms aren’t cheap!” 

Brock says it’s so worth it, though, since she and her neighbors can keep a close eye on the gorgeous male with his famously bright blue head, back, and wings, which contrast with his brownish red breast. The female is lovely, too, with her lighter grey head and back and some blue on her wings. What she lacks in blueness, the female makes up for in a deeper orange breast. You just won’t find an ugly bluebird.

According to Brock, “we’re in the active, lively season. My bluebirds just had their second nesting, and those four babies have fledged. When they first leave the nest, they sort of half fly, half jump. After that, I’m not always sure exactly where they are, but I can track them by locating the parents.” That’s where mealworms come in. 

“Today, fledglings are in the trees, here and there," said Brock on a recent afternoon. "I put mealworms in the back porch feeder, and then whistle for Mom and Pop, who show up in a New York minute, scoop up as many worms as they can hold in their beaks, and deliver them to their fledglings. Then (the parents) come back for more.” This routine leads to what Brock considers the zenith of bluebirding: “Eventually, the fledglings come to the feeder themselves, which is a favorite time for me. At first they only eat from the parents, but before long, it dawns on them that they can come and get it themselves.” 

The detail about whistling for the parents is key. “If I just put out mealworms and walk away, other birds will come grab them,” said Brock. But with a special whistle, the bluebirds show up pretty quickly, and the mealworms go to the intended dinner guests.

The retired social worker didn’t set out to devote herself to bluebirds. “When they appeared, I was delighted,” said Brock. “I took a swan dive into (bluebirding), and there were many learning curves.” The species inspires not only bird lovers but artists, musicians, and other creatives, as well. The happy little bluebirds in the song “Over the Rainbow” are one example. But it’s not all troubles melting like lemon drops in the bluebird world. Sorry, dear readers: it’s time to expose a difficult truth for those who might think bluebirding it's 100% lullabies and rainbows. “There’s a downside to the whole thing,” admitted Brock.

As with human societies, the bird world has unsavory characters: house sparrows are feathered bullies who aggressively compete for nesting sites and are known to harm or kill bluebirds in order to take over their nests. “If you want to nurture bluebirds, you have to be willing to deal with house sparrows,” said Brock. “It took me a while to figure this out.” With dispassionate clarity, Brock described the sparrow traps she puts in her bluebird houses. “It’s almost like a mouse trap, but you just don’t put it in and leave; you have to monitor it to make sure you trap a house sparrow, but not a bluebird. That did happen here once, but now I’m utterly strict about taking the trap out unless I’m keeping a close eye on it.” 

Brock understands why most people shy away from tending bluebirds once they learn about the importance of eliminating the competing species. “It took me a long time to get there, myself. I had to get my mothering instinct going, but really, it’s not so different from trapping mice.” 

Another tough truth about bluebirding is that the first nesting of the season results in offspring that are forced to grow up faster than their younger siblings. “After the first babies are born, the parents are ready to increase the family fairly soon, so the eldest ones get the boot pretty fast,” said Brock. “The second clutch has it easier: they get to hang out with mom and dad until spring. Then they get the boot.” Even bluebirds must live with the universal truth that no one’s life is completely perfect, but thanks to the Bluebird Lady of Birnam Road, some of Northfield’s loveliest creatures lead pretty cushy lives, and respectful neighbors are invited to share in the sublime pleasure of it all.

Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope” and can be reached at eveline@amandlachorus.org.