Bluebirds Prevail!
Published: June 28, 2012
Tags: General Observations, Eastern Bluebird, House Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, nest box, Angola, NY
Last spring, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds was very interested in the new nest box my daughter brought home with her from a trip to North Carolina. Within just a couple of days of putting it out, a pair of bluebirds was visiting it and looking it over inside and out. We were so excited that they might nest there! Alas, a pair of House Sparrows won the deed to the house and made it home to their offspring. THIS year, the Bluebirds prevailed! Kate thinks she may have discouraged the House Sparrows by not filling the nearby seed feeder. Good to know for next year...
And so, even though this isn't a standard Eastern Bluebird nesting box, it is now home to five, new Eastern Bluebirds. The proud parents are running themselves ragged trying to feed their hungry chicks!
I captured a few photos of a few other interesting sights and activities going on around the Bluebird feeding frenzy too...
Daddy Bluebird pops-in with yet another insect for his hungry brood OK, one more baby fed - need more insects... How about a tasty grasshopper? And yet another... MORE?! Oh good, Mommy's helping A mother's work is never done Pausing to catch her breath Peek-a-boo! Daddy needs a little breather too I shot this photo of a Red-tailed Hawk on my way to my daughter's house This young House Sparrow takes a nap in spite of the nearby baby bluebirdies crying for more food. I couldn't tell if this was a PAIR of Northern Flickers or a parent and child It looks like this male House Sparrow is setting up house somewhere nearby This young Red-bellied Woodpecker was also keeping its parents very busy in a tree nearby! I hope he finds some rest tonight!
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