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

Ever Vigilant for Us

You rightly might wonder at the title for a blog on bird photography. ( I will explain.)  I remember when as a child, it was not worrisome to parents when their child went off alone to spend some time exploring the woods.  But, that was then and now it is different.  There are issues including the low lifes who brew illegal drugs in isolated places such as birders, hikers and photographers visit. They are not above any sort of violence.

This  morning, my chore list suggested to me that it was best to stay close to home for my photo outing.  I picked an abandoned road nearby, that tragically was the site where a New York trooper lost  his life to some drug-addict bank robbers. It has been transformed into a park to honor him, and all those who serve the public safety.  It was, and still is a haven for wildlife.

This  morning, I had found mostly Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and very vocal Song Sparrows. It was going slowly.  I heard many birds but they were not giving me many clear compositions.  Still, it was a great way to begin the day.  This one Northern Cardinal did peer at me through a very narrow opening. 

I had parked my car at an angle in the middle of the road to  face face a nice bit of bird cover and the Song Sparrows were there, but always inside the bushy cover. The road, being dead end now, is a favorite for the casual walker and the occasional fisherman who drives to the end to access the large pond that parallels the road. So, I keep an eye in my rear view mirror to be sure I  can pull over if anyone needs to pass.  I caught sight of a car close behind me and so I  pulled over to the side.  As I did, I saw that the driver, nicely dressed in a business suit, was getting out.  As he approached, he identified himself as New York State Police.  So, they keep watch on this special place, ever vigilant.  Reassuring to me.  We had a nice conversation and I noted that this place held special meaning to a lot of people who will never forget that tragic day in March.

The morning passed quickly with no spectacular results. There were many American Robins along the road, some even right next to the car, but only once did a Robin perch nicely for me.

Yes,  the Robin was that close.  Sometimes I realize that the most commonplace birds are missing in my files, so I am glad to get this image.  And, I am glad that the troopers keep a special watch on this park now.  The future of this park should be as a safe place to remember those who serve.

Paul