The Return of Our Eastern Bluebirds

After a two year absence, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds have returned to the nest box in our grassy backyard.  In 2021, this male posed on a dead stick above the nest box before dropping down to deliver food to the chicks.

I had been seeing small flocks of them on my neighborhood walks.  There were at least three juveniles along with an adult.  In the last week, there was increased activity, especially near the box and a male entering with food.  So, I set up my pop-up blind on the evening before hoping for some warm morning sunlight to bring out their colors.

Shortly after 8:30 am, the male arrived with a juicy green caterpillar.  Amazing color.

Bluebirds are very fast, so a prime objective was to capture a bird in flight.  (There is a pretty high strike-out rate.  Couldn't afford to do this in my film days.)   Shutter was at 1/2000 second, and I was wishing for even faster.  Whew!

There was another behavior displayed.  Recalling that weeks before, a juvenile Bluebird was seen following an adult, there was the possibility that some of these first brood juveniles would join in bringing food to the chicks.  Here is one of the first brood arriving with food.

On several occasions, a juvie did pop in while an adult was inside feeding. It appeared that it backed away and  probably ate the catch.   

On other instances, the juvenile exhibited real curiosity such as when this youngster peeped into the side opening to observe.

There were also some squabbles contesting access into the box.

Mixed in with these comings and goings, there were also pauses and diversions of attention such as when this adult Robin arrived on the perch attached above the nest box.  

The vivid orange breast was too rich to ignore and the pose so notable.  I welcomed the intrusion since the bluebird harvest of bugs had slackened.

I am thinking that in about 7 to 10 days, the new brood will be crowding the entrance opening just before they fledge.  Wishing for a nice warm morning light to once again photograph.

Thanks for letting me share this experience.

Paul Schmitt

Sketches: Eastern Bluebirds

Last summer we had a pair of Eastern Bluebirds nest in the nest-box we installed.  It was their second brood of the year; they nested in our neighbors backyard in May.  To our delight, several of the first brood came along and helped feed the second brood.  It was sort of an apprenticeship for these recent fledglings.

This week, I found an active nest with adults that were very comfortable with my presence.  Looking at the location, I decided to arrive in early morning shortly before the sun cleared the eastern treeline, putting the nest in good light.  The male was perched outside in the cool light.

Insect activity was low in the cool damp morning air.  He seems fluffed up to keep warm in the early chill.   I was surprised at how rich his colors were in the shade.
 

Soon, the sun bathed the nest box, and deliveries began to the  nest.

The first deliveries were mostly spiders.  I expect the larger insects in the grasslands surrounding the nest are keep down when the dew is heavy.  It will surely shift quickly.

Bluebirds are very fast so these images were taken using 1/2000 second exposures to freeze the motion.  This is a favorite of mine.  Putting on the brakes!

Another spider.  One difficulty is accurately anticipating where the next arrival will come from.

Love the color on the spread wings.

Lest you think only the male is bringing food,  here is one of many times the female delivered some sort of winged insect.

 She perched at the box entrance and hesitated to enter.

Wait, there is more to the story here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 She had to wait her turn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I continued to watch, I realized there were two males, leaving me to believe that one of last year's fledglings was still playing the understudy role.  Fascinating.

That morning deepened my understanding of why so many people care for their bluebird boxes, and the reward they receive.

Paul Schmitt

The Joys of Spring

Yesterday was the end of May.  The month's been busy.  It is time for a recap of some highlights.

First was the joy of finding some favorites seen in a new way.  Always love the Trillium grandiflorum.  I came away with muddy knees.  It was worthwhile.

Another striking wildflower that I seem to have difficulty finding in full bloom is the Virginia Bluebells, also called Virginia Cowslip.  (Mertensia virginica)

Spring is a conflicted time with the natural world so active.  Emerging flowers and returning birds compete for my attention with spring green landscapes.  The Common Yellowthroat is a familiar friend that I found singing strongly his familiar song.

 Another friend is the Tree Swallow.  They compete with Eastern Bluebirds for nest boxes.  Not quite as musical, they are a bit more approachable and are brilliant  when the sun plays on their feathers.

The Eastern Bluebirds will take up a defensive position on a favored nest box and scan the sky for their adversary, the Tree Swallow.

The flora keeps calling with some subjects beyond the common. The most notable are the Pink Lady's Slippers that are found infrequently.  They are simply glorious.

With luck or patience, one can see what pollinates them.  It is a race to get to a bloom before the Bumblebee races off to another distant target.  In the mix of sun and shadow, getting the bee on a sunny bloom is near to impossible.

But sometimes the sun does align with some flowers for a spectacular display.

The result justifies the pain of awaking at 5 am to arrive when the light is perfect.

It's been a good spring.

Paul Schmitt