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