Roads End Naturalist

Exploring the natural world as we wander at the end of the road


A Bounty of Bluebirds

Bluebirds  RE-6
Male Eastern Bluebird (click to enlarge)

A friend posted a picture yesterday of bluebirds in her nest box. So I went out this morning and checked the one box I have that can be easily opened, and it looks like a good bluebird spring! The male and female were watching me as I went over to the box and opened it so I didn’t stay long and just took a shot with the iPhone instead of the usual gear, but it is always exciting to see the first babies of spring. These guys look like they are just a couple of days old at most and still in that reptilian stage of development. I am sure the cool, wet weather the past few days has made for difficult hunting for the parents but the sunshine today promises easier meals for these young.

Bluebird nestlings
Bluebird nestlings (click to enlarge)

I have four nest boxes scattered around the yard and garden area (three out in the open and one in the woods) and have seen bluebirds coming and going from all four, so this could be a very good spring for bluebirds. Looking forward to following the progress of these and the other local breeders during the coming nesting season.

How readily the bluebirds become our friends and neighbors when we offer them suitable nesting retreats!
– John Burroughs,1925

Bluebird houses
Bluebird nest box
Bluebird houses
Nest box
Bluebird nest box made with hollow log
Nest box
Bluebird houses
Nest box

Comments

3 responses to “A Bounty of Bluebirds”

  1. Michael's Woodcraft Avatar

    Hi John,
    Absolutely beautiful pictures. Do you know if they all lived?

    I agree with you, this year has been great for the bluebirds. We have alot of bluebirds in our immediates area around our property. I also have four boxes up and all of them had a first brrod and I have a second brrod going now in one of the boxes. Started a blog a few weeks ago and only have a few pictures posted.

    Nice shots!
    thanks,
    Michael
    Bluebirds Eating Live Mealworms

    1. roadsendnaturalist Avatar

      Yes, Michael, I believe they all fledged. Their is a second brood about to fledge now. Good luck with your blog. It is a great way to learn and share.

      1. Michael's Woodcraft Avatar

        I am giving away a nice handcrafted by me Bluebird House on my blog…check it out.
        Michael
        Bluebird House Give-Away

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Roads End Naturalist

Exploring the natural world as we wander at the end of the road

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