Weekend Birding: Eastern Bluebird
There are several different types of bluebirds in North America. In the eastern US, Mexico and southeastern Canada we see the Eastern Bluebird. Western Bluebirds are seen in parts of the western US and Mexico and the brilliantly colored Mountain Bluebird can be found in the western US, Canada and Mexico.
Males are vivid, deep blue above and rusty or brick-red on the throat and breast. Females are grayish above with bluish wings and tail, and a dull orange-brown breast.
They are generally found in open areas and nest at the woodland edge. Eastern bluebirds rarely visit feeders but will nest in backyards if you have enough open space and a suitable nestbox is provided.
I never see bluebirds in my yard but I don’t have to travel far to find them. Several parks near my house have bluebird trails. It’s always a treat for me to stumble across a pair building a nest or feeding their babies.
I took these photos last April. The male was standing proudly on top of his nestbox displaying for the female who was hard at work building the nest. That’s pretty much his job until the young are born. Only the female will incubate the eggs but the male helps feed them and protect the nest.
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Photo taken at Cantigny Gardens.
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Saturday Snapshots is hosted by Alyce. Head on over to At Home With Books to see more great photos or add your own.
Under My Apple Tree 
These delicate birds are so lovely! Enjoy your weekend, Leslie.
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These are beautiful pictures!
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I know that we are supposed to have bluebirds in our region, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any. Bluejays, robins and juncos are most common in our backyard. Lovely photos!
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Gorgeous shots!
You can find my SS HERE
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Oh Leslie – you have truly outdone yourself, my dear. These are such beautiful photographs they are making me simultaneously happy and weepy. Ah, the beauty of these little birds 🙂
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bluebirds I love bluebirds! and I needed to see something spring like today too its so bitterly cold here
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How can anyone not love these little close up shots of animals doing the normal everyday things they do…that we usually don’t even notice bc we only see them from far away? I love looking at their little faces and seeing them busy at work with their own daily routines :):)
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Wow, what beautiful pictures. It almost looks like the birds are posing for you.
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Wonderful pictures of the bluebirds! I’ve had a pair stop by and visit on the fence in the back…but I’ve never been quick enough to get a good picture. They’re such cute little birds!
Got mine up if you’d like to take a peek: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/01/saturday-snapshot-january-15.html
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Aww what a sweet little birds. Beautiful too!
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These are awesome pictures!!!! Very cute blue birds!
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Such beautiful creatures. Great photos
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Beautiful photos of some stunning wildlife.
carol
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Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. I’m so happy you enjoy my bird photos.
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