More Bluebird pictures

Well, as I said at the end of my previous bluebird thread,( which can be found by using this link: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1012428/ ),the house prefers that we limit threads to about 135 replies, and I am way past that, so here we go with a new one.

Not much happened today. Well, actually I don't know if anything happened or not. I had a few chores to do. In spite of that I did manage a few shots though. Here some of them are and I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Here is StepDad.

And one of the youngsters.

Another one

Same bird, head in a slightly different position.

StepDad again. Sorta looks like he's cutting his eyes at you. It may be the way the light hits his eyee.

Here are all five in the cage, but notice the shy one still waits off in the corner. He will eat with one or two others but if there's more than that, he backs off.

StepDad again.

Here is a youngster begging from Mama. As I told you, that is now a no-no.

She tries to ignore him but he keeps it up. Finally, she flies at him.

Here is a juvie sitting off by himself.

StepDad on watch from the top of the umberella cover. He apparently doesn't see the spider just below him.

More great photos!

I hope the shy juvie develops a little moxie.

Here's Mama a few days ago (when she was still feeding).

A little one sitting on the fence.

Those little ones are so cute. Great pics Dave and thanks for starting the new thread!

Dave, what a beautiful start. I love the one with mom and baby. Their colors are just spectacular.

More gorgeous shots Dave...the ones of the juveniles really tug at the heartstrings as well as Step Dad since he is such a sweetheart.

Thanks Rose and thanks duc. The youngsters are growing more skilled as flyers and it is harder to catch them bumping into one another. They play tag much like the gold finches do. It is good to see them improving their skills, especially if the adults decide to chase them off soon. I am still hopefull that they won't.

Here is StepDad perched, and as he takes off. Probably chasing a sparrow. He is fearless as long as they are out in the open.

OK, now he takes off.

Next.

Here is the last one of this sequence. I don't know why but the lighting seems different, maybe because there are more light colored feathers.

This message was edited Jul 25, 2009 7:05 AM

One more of him.

Well, one more.

What the heck. I can't seem to stop.

Don't stop, I just never get tired of seeing these perfect photos. I would love to learn to take the perfect action shots like you show us! Beautiful!

I seem to have a thing about birds' tongues. And at least he's headed the other way.

Mama, on one of her breaks out of the nest box. She will begin her molt soon too.

Some times the early morning sun creates an interesting picture.

Mama wonders if there are going to be any left for her.

Poor Mama, that's what she gets for having so many children.......terrific pics, I love the early morning shot.

The final photo in the sequence of StepDad taking off has spectacular lighting...very special indeed!

It reminds me of the Rolls Royce hood ornament of the woman with wings, it's called "Spirit of Ecstasy."

My bluebirds raised one family. Switched boxes and started another right before the heat wave. Those eggs ruined so they switched nest again but only rebuilt the nest and waited. After the temps. dropped below 95 they laid eggs and now have babies. I don't ever remember them nesting this late.

Here are a few "family" shot from a few days ago, to show why the parents often chase off the juveniles from the previous nesting. Remember that Mama has another nest with four eggs in this box and would prefer to be as inconspicuous as possible.

When she takes a break, she has visitors...

The kind that won't leave.

Finally, she chases the closest one.

But they come right back, so she scatters them again.

It must be hard for them to understand. Just a few days ago she was bringing them food.

Here is StepDad, after a bath.

And here's Mama. Her eggs are due to hatch today or tomorrow. A couple of them show signs of pipping now.

Another shot.