Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

My Blues are Makin' Babies


Oh My Heart!!!!! I am so very very happy!!!! Yesterday --while working in the yard, I noticed that Mrs. Bluebird was checking out the new nestbox in our backyard. (If you missed the post telling about our new Bluebird nestbox, click HERE.) At first I thought they were just checking out the new home---but as I continued to watch them (all afternoon--ha), I have a feeling that they have already done the deed, and there's a bun in the oven!!!!!!

I did not open the lid to check out the box YET---but will, when I get a little more curious. (By the way, Bluebirds do NOT mind us checking their nestbox and eggs. Some birds do--but not the Blues.) Anyhow --- the female kept going in and out and the male perched himself in the nearby trees --obviously protecting the nest.

SO--because the male was protecting the nest all afternoon (and chasing any other birds away --who may have gotten near), I think that the nest has been finished --and that there may even be an egg in the nest now.... Isn't this just awesome????

For your info, Bluebirds lay one egg a day --until they get to about 4-5. After that, the Mama incubates the eggs for 12-15 days. Once the baby birds (fledglings) hatch, it takes another 12 days until they are big enough to leave the nest. Last Summer, I was fortunate to see my first group of baby Blues leave the nest. SO EXCITING!

Bluebirds have 2-3 broods per year. The ones who are born in the first brood usually leave the family in Fall and strike out on their own. The ones from the last broods may stay with their parents all winter before making a life of their own.

Today I will share with you some pictures of the bluebirds in my yard YESTERDAY... The good news is that this year, I have a better camera and a long lens to use. Above is Mrs. Blue---at the nest. Below are more.




I followed Mr. Bluebird as he sat close to the nestbox --in one of the nearby trees.





Mrs. Blue looks at her Sweetheart before going into the nestbox.





I love this picture of Mr. Blue--watching his nestbox. Can you see the male Goldfinch in the distance??? Mr. Blue wanted to make sure that the finch didn't stop by for a cuppa tea!!!!!! ha




Every once in awhile, Mr. Blue went to the birdbath for a drink of water... BUT--he still kept his eyes on that nestbox!!!!





Sometimes, Mr. Blue would leave ---but I'd find him in another nearby tree.




Can you tell that the trees are beginning to 'leaf'?????? Look at the buds on the ends (of all of the pictures of Mr. Blue in the trees). That means that it won't be much longer for me to be able to see the birds in the trees --once the leaves open.





Mr. Blue had all kinds of places to sit and guard the nestbox. Every once in awhile (besides getting a drink of water), he would go to the feeders on the deck and have a bite to eat.




Here's one last picture of Mrs. Blue---peeking out of the nestbox, probably wondering if her 'man' was watching after her!!!!!

I'm sure I'll have many more posts about my Blues.... It's just SO SO SO exciting!!!

Hugs,

UPDATE: After writing this post, we found out that the Chickadees had taken the nest... I hope the Bluebirds do come back! This is just so SAD!!!!

48 comments:

Tabor said...

I love the photos. Bluebirds are so lovely and you are lucky to have a resident pair.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Yes, I'd say you are correct, making babies there in the new house !
He's a dedicated fellow, keeping a close eye out on his mate.
Yippee.......
Great pictures Betsy !!

Valerie said...

Keep posting!! I love the bluebirds we have had this winter. Hopefully we will see more of them. I was hoping to get a nest box - but haven't been able - maybe i am too late now?

I love the last photo! That is my favorite!

Beth said...

What wonderful news, Betsy! And wonderful pictures of the happy couple. We found the beginnings of a nest in one of our houses, but haven't seen the bluebirds around it much. Maybe they're off on their honeymoon! :-)

diane b said...

How exciting for you. It looks like a full time entertainment. They are clever, caring little things and so pretty.

Neal said...

Very good Betsy. You got some great shots. Bluebirds are one of my favorite birds. I think there are more of them than there used to be because even we see one once in a while whereas several years ago we would never see one.

Connie said...

Hurray! Baby bluebirds on the way! :D

Very exciting news, Betsy! Great photos!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photographs, Betsy! I can't wait to see the babies!

RoeH said...

Isn't Nature grand? I just love it. That's going to be fun for you to watch.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Congratulations on the new babies.
Does this make you a Grandma again?
:)

Loran said...

I remember your enthusiasm about blue babies from last year! My how time flies. My favorite picture is the one of the bird bath. Great shots, Betsy. I can just imagine you out there snapping away.

Shelley said...

I'm very excited for your bluebird babies!! Looking forward to more pics! They are such handsome birds. I have a baby mourning dove right now in the nest in our gutters. Usually the Doves have 2 babies so the 2nd one must not have made it unfortunately. Have a wonderful day Betsy!
Hugs,
Shelley

Sunny said...

How exciting and your pictures are wonderful. I just love the last one of Mrs. B, peeking out of the nestbox.
Sunny :)

I Am Woody said...

I love the shot of him perched on the bird bath!!

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures of your Bluebirds! I hope ours are really serious about using our box!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, that is exciting. Soon you will have photos of the little ones out in your yard learning to eat and fly.

I have a birdbath that looks just like yours:)
Marnie

MadSnapper said...

thanks for the info on your blue birds, i did not know most of what you posted. like one egg a day. wow! there box is as pretty as they are.

Darla said...

We have a couple making a nest in our box!! I love them toooooooo.

Deb said...

Love that last shot of the Mrs poking her head out of the nest. Can't wait to see baby pic's!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Oh how thrilling!!! Please take lots of pictures to share on the blog.I love the Blues,they seem so sweet.Have a 'Bluetiful' day.
Blessings,Ruth

Catsngrams said...

I love your blues. So interesting I wish I had a long range camera so I could study our birds here in Utah. Maybe I will try anyway it looks like a very interesting passtime.

Cedar ... said...

Awwwww.... how nice! And after all, 'tis the season!

D said...

Betsy, I am as excited as if I were there! Wonderful. Can I have one of the eggs? :(( lol

Our new bluebird house still has not seen hide nor hair of one, BUT for the last several days, in between rain and wind, I have been watching the House Finch build it's nest right outside my window and that is so exciting... was planning a post on that soon.

Have a wonderful day Betsy.

Diane said...

Thanks for sharing all the proceedings with us, Betsy. Beautiful pictures. When I saw your title I thought it was a song!!!

DayPhoto said...

My most favorite bird of all time. Keep us posted so I can watch.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Cicero Sings said...

VERY exciting Betsy. The blues are just lovely.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I feel like we're all gonna be birdie godparents!!! Great shots Betsy...don't ya just love that Rebel!!!

imac said...

Wonderful news, we have had a couple of Blue Tits in our box too, the male was trying to make the hole bigger.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Of course I am over the moon about this, because that means we will get to see it all, as well!!! I LOVE the info on the eggs, I knew none of that. Our next door neighbor has a bluebird box and a pair have been checking it out. Now I know that I can sneak over there and peek sometime. It would be interesting to know if the male has the same guarding stations that he perches on at the same time every day. Because a cat will have a set route and prowl the neighborhood in the same order each day. My favorite picture is the one of her little head poking out of the new house!!!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
How I love your photos of the bluebirds. They are splendid. I really enjoy visiting your beautiful blog.

Love Of Quilts said...

That is exciting...I'll be waiting to see more post on them.God Bless Trish

pam said...

Congratulations! We don't encourage nesting around here because of our naughty kitty cats,so I'll follow yours!

Elaine said...

Oh, Betsy, that is exciting. I just wish so much that we had more bluebirds around here.....the Western bluebird can be seen in the mountains north of here but not so much here on the desert floor. I'll just have to content myself with looking at yours....and that's just fine because your photos and narratives are so lovely and so much fun! I know you're going to enjoy yourself with these guys!

Elaine :)

Anonymous said...

Babies babies & more babies - Spring makes all the animals TWITTERPATED!

Jo said...

How very special, Betsy. My favourite is the last one with Mrs B peeking out of the nest boxes . You are blessed to have such confident birds. I have to watch any activity such as this from MILES away and daren't breathe for fear of chasing the birds. Thanks for your kindest comments on my blog. Yes, we are buying our new bike from the place which is displaying the present one. I'm exhausted tonight from being in the city and all the arrangements. Bless you. Jo

SquirrelQueen said...

How wonderful, there will be little ones before long. Great photos of the happy couple Betsy. Mr. Blue is very vigilant about his home and family. I'm looking forward to seeing the babies.

Hugs,
Judy

penny said...

Betsy, that is very exciting news. Now we can all watch them grow through your new camera lens. Mr and Mrs Blue bird are beautiful.

LV said...

Another outstanding bird feature. You must live in one of the best locations in TN for such sights as you share.

Glenda said...

I agree with LV that you live in a perfect place to photograph birds and nature! Your blues are ahead of ours, I think; just last week ours were still working on their nest. I, too, am amazed at the devotion the male has for his mate and his home. Your pics are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Your bluebird photographs are really special. They look so good to me. I have a house, official one too, and it is on a post, as in the days of fence posts they had nests in, and there is grass and things around they are supposed to like but so far I have never seen a blue bird here. I don't know what. If I did I would try to make corrections.

Anonymous said...

What a great post! Hubby hung a new birdhouse close by the back door and the next thing you know a bluebird claimed it.
Donna

Judy said...

I enjoyed seeing your Mr Bluebird. Wonderful pictures!

Unknown said...

BE STILL MY HEART! You I envy, what an experience & the pics are fabulous, Betsy.

Have a lovely week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Wendy said...

How exciting!! I hope you have babies soon! Your pics are so clear and lovely. I like the daffys in your header. Keep us posted. The blues are cute!

Jen said...

Betsy
That last picture of Mrs peeking out is just precious!
Congrats on your new impending family.

The Retired One said...

Betsy,
How exciting and lovely!
These photos are awesome...and by the way, the COLOR in them are perfect. ha
Really, just outstanding!!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Great photos of your bluebird family.

Rose said...

That is an awesome birdhouse! I had somehow missed the original post about it.

It will be fun to watch through your photos this year...mom had bluebirds at home but we don't have any here in town. I see them out though...just not here.