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