Eastern Bluebird 001

One of my favorite birds to watch is the Eastern Bluebird. At this time of year they nest in hollow trees or nesting boxes that are placed along the edges of open meadows. Their populations have increased since more people have been installing nesting boxes. This female has something or some things in her mouth that I can't identify. It is either many worms or some kind of critter with many legs. If any of you know what this is let me know.

BluebirdFemale001

Eastern Bluebird 002

We have a pair of bluebirds raising five babies in a nesting box not far from our house. I spent three mornings last week watching the parents bring food to the little ones.

BluebirdMale002

Eastern Bluebird 003

The male with its bright blue back and red chest is more colorful than the female. I set up the camera next to one of their favorite perches close to the nesting box. The male kept landing on my camera instead of the perch. I kept tripping the shutter so that the camera vibrations sent him back to his regular perch so I could take the photo.

BluebirdMale001

Eastern Bluebird 004

It took quite a few attempts to get a good photo of the male bringing in food. It happens so quickly that the shutter must be tripped at the right fraction of a second to capture the wings fully extended.

BluebirdMale003

Eastern Bluebird 005

I think I only got two good flying pictures in more than two dozen attempts.

BluebirdMale004

Eastern Bluebirds 006

When the little ones first hatch out they have a look that only a mother could love.

BluebirdBabies