Thursday, February 26, 2009

Eastern Bluebirds out back!

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Perched on a Birch. My Birch.

On most days, the same old birds welcome me home from work. I usually give them a casual glance then move on and promise to feed them later. On Tuesday I opened the door for Chloe and Bella’s outdoor business trip and within a few seconds, had to skip back inside the house to get my camera.

There was a pre-spring bird convention of Mourning Doves, Cardinals, House Finches, Starlings, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, House Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, Downy Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings, and a lone Red-winged Blackbird. All together at 4:15 p.m. I looked to the sky and wondered if they had heard of a humongous storm approaching. Did I miss the forecast?

I’ve shown Eastern Bluebirds on this blog a hundred times. They’re everywhere except at my house, until this week. Well, they flew by a few times and enjoyed a bath on the pond two years ago…


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Can you imagine how loudly I wanted to squeal? I’ve been waiting for this for three years. Shocking.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.


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She had an appetite.


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There were a few microscopic morsels of Zick dough left in that cup and she was determined to have them!


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He kept a watchful eye on her and wondered
if she’d ever push herself away from the table…

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"Dang. The lady can EAT!"



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She hopes refills are free.

I don’t know how long I can continue to guard Zick dough and peanuts after I fill the feeders and cups. Starlings and House Sparrows fly in to jab, fight, and squawk before I turn my back. I have great pleasure in seeing Starlings soar towards the suet and make an abrupt U-turn at first sight of me. My awful “aaaack!” voice scares the poop out of them while all other birds continue to go about their business like I wasn’t even there.


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I’m very impressed with the sweet Bluebirds. The commotion and fighting doesn’t move them. They both watch the angry mob close by, stand firm, and wait their turn at a morsel - if there is one left…
Gee, I hope they stay.

36 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

You know May, I've NEVER had a Bluebird in my yard....

I can see your love for them.

PSYL said...

Hehe. I hope you didn't actually scare the poop out of the Starlings.

Very exciting to see the Bluebirds indeed. Great photos!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Mary... I saw alot of different birds today also. My blog tomorrow will talk about them.. Your pictures are fabulous. I love bluebirds ---and haven't seen any here YET.

My 'pest birds' are the Pine Siskins.. GADS---way too many of them!

Thanks... This was a wonderful post.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ruth said...

I didn't realize that you had no Bluebirds at your house. If I see any in my yard I will know I have died and gone to heaven. Great pictures.

Kim said...

Today has been kind of rough day and seeing your gorgeous blue birds has put a huge smile on my face. I just love them so much. You took fantastic photos of them too.

I am sooo going to try the aaaaaach scream next time I see the starlings!

Corey said...

Mary, I have a (not very pretty) Bluebird nestbox in my garage that I made last summer which I'd be glad to donate to the cause of keeping those little beauties near your yard. If you want it, you know how to get in touch with me.

Susan Gets Native said...

I am so thrilled for you, Mary! You deserve them in your yard, by Gum!

They are little tiny peaches wrapped in faded denim.

Anonymous said...

Great news, Mary! Mountain Bluebirds were one of the first to arrive in February in Colorado. I haven't seen any bluebirds here in Massachusetts just yet, but it won't be long.

Vickie said...

Believe me, everything else would be put on hold here if bluebirds arrived at the feeder. I'm excited for you. They will stay!

Dawn Fine said...

Mary...
Take up the offer of the nest box..
and stock up on a few mealy worms..those bluebirds will stay for sure.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

What a thrill! Your pictures are absolutely wonderful too. I hope they stay not only to make you happy, but for us as well!

Those nasty starlings. I know they're hiding in the bushes just waiting for me to put out more Zick dough or peanut butter. I've been waiting hoping they'll go elsewhere.

The Quacks of Life said...

You were so happy to see them you typed House Sparrow without an insult :D

they look like lovely little birds. Always nice to see something new in the garden

Jayne said...

Yay!!! So happy to see they are in your yard finally! :c)

Diane AZ said...

Your bluebird pictures are so sweet! I'm glad they finally decided to visit your feeder. I can feel your excitement.

A New England Life said...

Mary, aren't you lucky! I long for Bluebirds but I doubt I'll ever see them at my feeders.

The first photo is so adorable! What a fuzzy bird! Yes, the birds are all aflutter here too. The best thing is hearing them sing in the morning : )

I need to check out that Zick dough!

Dog_geek said...

Mary, these are awesome photos! I *love* the pics of the Bluebird perched next to the wooden bird - classic! I'm so glad that you got a nice Bluebird treat! We see them around in the fields, but not often at our feeders.

Endment said...

We have no bluebirds here - too much woods... But I did see some last weekend - they didn't pose for photos so I am really enjoying your pictures. Very nice

Tina said...

Hurray for you!! I'm so happy for you!! Anyone who has had a blue bird visit their backyard knows how excited you must have felt...I flew all around the house at my first sighting yelling for everyone to come and see these bright bursts of blue! Oh I do hope they stay around your yard...they are a ray of bright sunshine! Just love your thoughts that you chose to go with the pics..of boy bird waiting for his lady!! Your post put a big smile on my face!!!

RuthieJ said...

Oh Mary, that's so cool! You need to get them one of those special enclosed bluebird feeders. They look like a regular hopper feeder, but the sides are enclosed (either with plexiglas or dowel rods) and there are entrance holes (like for the bluebird's nest box) on each end of the feeder. Your WBU store should have them for sure--we used to sell bunches of them for people feeding mealworms to bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens (it will keep your mockers and starlings away from the bluebirds treats).

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog - now I don't remember how.

Kinda funny though, I currently live in MD with two BTs, a Yorkie and a parrot and a koi pond.

My bluebirds began about two weeks ago hanging around the bluebird houses. I feed them mealworms - it's very cute, I fill the tray near their houses, clap my hands and there they are. As soon as I'm a little bit of distance from the tray, they come down and eat. It's adorable - I LOVE their chortling sweet sounds!

Nice pics!
Tammy

NatureWoman said...

How awesome it is to have bluebirds in your yard! I would be excited, too. Heck, I'm excited for you. And some wonderful photos to boot. This is so wonderful!

Alan Pulley said...

Hey Mary,

Congrats on the bluebirds!! Arent they great to have around?

Wendy said...

You mean there's hope? I once saw a bluebird in my backyard - about 3 years ago. Went out and bought a bluebird birdhouse. Never saw one again.
Well, maybe the waiting period is 3 years! Maybe this is the year!!

Nice pics. Love the captions underneath too. Looks like you had fun!

jason said...

Absolutely delightful, Mary! I hope they stick around and visit you often.

Heidi said...

Ah Mary, I hope they stay too! They are beautiful! Did you ask them why they have been avoiding your yard?

JeanMac said...

Beautiful, Mary. Saw my first robin on Feb. 19th!

Mel said...

Such beautiful birds! You are sooo lucky Mary!!

Balisha said...

I do hope they stay at your house, Mary...but could you send a couple to my house? They were here in the fall for the first time, checking out our houses.I was as excited as you.My hubby felt my forehead and asked if I was OK.

Dawn said...

Congrats on your Bluebird visit. Now that they know where the great food is maybe they will keep returning to your garden for more. Your photos are awesome, Mary! I think I may have a slight case of camera-envy. ;-) Well done!

Q said...

Dear Mary,
JOY! I do beleive!!
So pretty and in YOUR backyard.
Yes! All good things come to those who wait.
You were very patient.
Sherry

Mary C said...

Mary, that is so thrilling to have bluebirds visit your yard. Eastern bluebirds I'll never get, but maybe some day I hope to see a few western bluebirds. But first I would have to provide the right kind of food and the right kind of flora. Someday...

Heather said...

I'm glad the Bluebirdies decided to finally visit your yard Mary. I hope they stay for a while. Just keep that little girl bird fed and I think you'll be set!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I can imagine your delight in seeing the Bluebirds in your garden Mary. I would be squealing too. Do you have room for a bluebird box? Wouldn't it be great to have them nesting in your garden??

Sherri said...

I really love the bluebird and your photos really show what a sweet nature they possess. Loved all the photos.

Larry said...

bluebirds were rare here in CT for a while.-I'm glad that birdhouse trails brought them back.-Not in my yard though--Great pics of the Bluebirds Mary!

Neil and Ms.T said...

What To My Wondering EYES!
I told my husband it was time to take our 3 year Bluebird house down to know avail....
This morning I couldn't believe it! A Bluebird was sitting on top of our bird house!!!!!! HOOORRRAAAYYY! Mommy is in the house. Dad is perched on top! I've taken picture after picture. What to name them?
Oh Happy Day!