Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds

Taking pictures of small birds in the wild is not easy.  They rarely sit still long enough for you to get focused and take the shot, which is probably why Eastern Bluebirds are one of my favorites.  Their innate curiosity causes them to sit on a branch watching while they determine if I am a threat or not, allowing me to get a few shots before they fly away.

A very quiet bird, they often gather, unseen or unheard, in the trees around me, seeming to watch what I’m watching.

Unfortunately, since they dine on insects, their presence means mosquito season is almost upon us.

Spring Birds

While some birds, like the Black-capped Chickadee stay here during winter…

Others, like the Eastern Bluebird migrate.

Eastern Bluebird

Blue Bird and an Audience

While hiking yesterday, an Eastern Bluebird caught my attention.  The bright blue colors easily draw attention, especially since the woods have yet to bloom.   He wouldn’t let me get too close, though.  In a few weeks they’ll be so used to seeing humans they’ll practically land on my head.

Today he kept his distance and while I took photos of him I realized we had an audience.  Tucked back in the ground cover eight deer watched as I photographed the bluebird.

They’re harder to track now that the snow is gone, but I ran across them later on and was far enough away to get a group shot.

One more bluebird and then…

the group.  (Click any image for a larger view).

Females

Female Cardinal

Female Bluebird

Female Red-winged Blackbird

Female Brown-headed Cowbird

Female Pileated Woodpecker