How 'bout a few more bluebird pictures?

Well, it looks like the five juveniles that fledged back in June and three of the four that fledged on August 14 will be staying with Mama and Papa for a while, hopefully until spring. I 'd like to bring you up to date on them.

The five in the older group are now 86 days old and three-quarters finished with their moult. I think all five are boys. I am sure at least four of them are. This is one of them.

Here is one of the younger fledges. Just 36 days old

Here's another shot.

Another. This one apparently is a male

This message was edited Aug 31, 2009 8:46 PM

Here he is again.

Another of his older half-brothers.

Not sure what this is all about.

First of all, they're both too young.

And second of all,

I think the one on the bottom is a male...

Here are two of the younger ones together. Hard to get both in focus, shooting at such close range.

One more try before I give up.

Dave, The pictures are awesome and the juveniles are adorable! So glad their all going to be sticking around for a while!

Wonderful shots, Dave. Interesting behaviour you've captured there with the two juveniles.

Thanks.
Yes, Margaret, very interesting behavior. If you watch them carefully, it seems they never fail to do something that surprises you. Actually, he did it twice. The first time I saw it I blinked my eyes in disbelief. When it looked like he would try it a second time, I reached for my camera. The first several shots I got were out of focus but I managed to recover and am happy I was able to get these.
I am not sure I would call them both juveniles. The one on the bottom is one of the 36 day olds. I am not sure when I fledgling becomes a juvenile. Maybe when they begin their moult?

Here's another cute shot from 2 days ago in the rain.

Your photo's are always excellent 2dCousinDave! And maybe that unusual behavior is big brother being a pain. lol

Mama on the same day. She too is into her moult although she has not progressed as far as Papa has.

Thanks Burd. Here's one more. I like the background colors, the way his shadow works, and the way the rain drops splatter around him.

This, I believe, is Papa. I can always count on him being the wettest when it rains (or when he goes into the bird bath.) But it is also rather amazing how his feathers dry so quickly.

This is a shot I used on the daily pics thread a few days ago. Forgive me but I like it so much I will insert it here again. It is so rare that the camera stops them at just the right spot. Wings back, feet outstretched. This is what I am trying for every time I go out to shoot.

My favorite :)

Mine too, Burd, or at least it's one of mine.

This unusual pose was struck when this bird was actually struck -- by another juvie, that flew into him. Here he is struggling to keep his balance.

This message was edited Sep 1, 2009 1:26 AM

This message was edited Sep 1, 2009 1:27 AM

Another shot from a couple of days ago. Sometimes you can get too close (at least too close for the lens you are carrying).

She is still feeding them now but they are learning to feed themselves and should be weaned in a day or two.

Trying to choose a favourite is difficult - like trying to choose a favourite tree in a forest. But that one coming in to land is a real stunner.

Here is one from today. I was playing around with the 500mm f/4 with three extension rings attached (30mm, 20mm and 10mm), which made it impossible to focus at a distance of more than about 15 feet. I was primarily shooting hummingbirds but then the fledges showed up. This is from about 6 or 7 feet, full frame. Totally uncropped.

Here is a closeup of a tufted titmouse. Too bad it was raining. I am sure I could have captured more detail with more light and a lower ISO.

Another shot of the same bird. Five of them showed up at the same time and for 15 minutes or so they were zipping all over the place, as they are want to do.

A different bird. Better background.

Just one more. I just remembered this is supposed to be a bluebird thread.

That's okay about getting off topic a wee bit. The titmouse pics were great..

Were you digiscoping to get them? I ask because digiscoping is the next area I am going to explore.

Hack

Love the Titmouse too Dave! Wow 9 juveniles; this will definitely keep you busy!

Thank you Resin. I will try to remember that definition. I had assumed for some reason that they were fledglings from the time they left the nest until at least until they were capable of feeding themselves, and that they became juveniles some time after that.

And yes, they are half-brothers. Same mother, different fathers.

Pele, I am not sure there are nine. I fear one of the recent four has been lost. I have never seen more than three of the youngsters and I think I would have seen all four by this time. But I will be happy with eight, and besides, I see other juveniles in the trees nearby and I am hopeful Mama or the new Papa, whichever is in charge, will allow some of them to travel as part of the extended family when colder weather arrives.

Dave

This message was edited Sep 1, 2009 8:30 AM

Dave, what a stunning serries of Blue Birds, or any other bird with your superior photography -- for that matter. I love and savor every pix you've shared! Thank you.

Thank you Kim. I love taking the pictures but I enjoy sharing them just as much.

Stunning pics Dave....I would think that Mama and Papa are ready for a vacation!

I'm so happy to hear some of the children have stayed around for a while. The photos are absolutely breathtaking, each one of them. The birds here are so pretty as they moult, unlike my little ones that look so homely. I especially liked the one that you posted in the other thread too-fabulous!

Your Titmouse photos are also outstanding.

Thanks GP and Duc

The titmouse happens to be my second most favorite bird. My only complaint is they rarely sit still for more than one or two shots.

Here is one of the youngest juveniles just a few minutes ago.

He was reacting to Mama, who was at the feeder.

I thought he would fly...