No Dropped Hat

Despite all of the good fortune we have had attracting Eastern Bluebirds over the years, I am still finding myself surprised whenever I see these colorful characters around the feeders.  Some part of me is suspicious that the habitat just is not ideal and that they'll desert me at the drop of a hat.  Yet a small colony has persisted and prospered.  And as winter nears, the hat has still not been dropped.  What I am fairly certain of is that our family group has dispersed.  We saw three successful nest attempts this summer and yet I don't see a lot of bluebirds.  Hopefully they have found suitable territory.  I can only hope ours is premium turf!  For my part what must be done is to ensure bluebird satisfaction with dependable food supplies, water, and a cheerful nest box come spring time.  And, with luck, that will be enough to keep the hat off the ground.