Birds in the Winter - Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird - in the early 20th century, these little brightly colored birds were put in jeopardy due to the introduction of the House Sparrow and European Starling to North America. As the sparrows and starlings took over the nesting cavities in trees that the bluebirds depended upon, the bluebird population dropped significantly and after a few bad winters these birds were almost wiped out of Ohio all together. Then in the 1960s & 1970s, conservation groups established bluebird trails and nest box campaigns which have significantly impacted the number of bluebirds in the area. Thanks to these efforts, we can now enjoy bluebirds once again. 

These birds can be found in open country near trees, preferring little understory and sparse ground cover. The photo above was taken at the bog, but they are also regulars at Barnes Preserve. 
They are generally not in-town backyard feeder birds (unless you feed mealworms), as their main diet consists of insects in the spring and summer, and berries in the winter. 
Although they had been a harbinger of spring, these birds can now be found year round in parts of Ohio, though many still migrate to the south in winter.

Folklore of the bluebird
The bluebird brings a reminder to enjoy yourself, to not let yourself get wrapped up in everyday life and let the little pleasures pass you by. To be modest, but embrace confidence and happiness.