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...

Monday, July 19, 2010

Our Baby Blues

When our Baby Eastern Bluebirds fledged about a month ago, I waited and waited for Daddy to bring them to the feeders... I kept seeing Mom and Dad Blue --but none of the babies... YET---I knew they were somewhere close by --up in the trees.

This past week, they started coming to the feeders --and have been coming every day recently. There are three of them--that I can count at one time. And Daddy came with them at first--but now, they come by themselves.

Here are some pictures. As you may know, Bluebird babies are speckled--but they soon lose those speckles and get bluer and bluer... Above is one at the suet feeder --with another one waiting above. Below are more.



Out of the three, I think that one is a female and the other two are males. This one is a female I think. The females are more brown --with not as much blue.




Here's another cute picture of one of the Blues at the suet feeder and another one above--waiting...




This close-up shows all of the speckles on the Baby Blues... Aren't they pretty?




Now there are two of them on top of the Suet feeder... It's almost as if they are talking to one another... Sorry about the blurry blue clothespen in the picture.... ha






This picture is blurry ---but I love it.... This is when Daddy was teaching them to come to the feeders.... You can see one little one with his mouth open ---begging for some food from Daddy... He learned to stay away--so that they would eat for themselves!

I was hoping for another brood this summer--but so far, nothing in the nestbox. Oh Well---I'll just enjoy the ones I have!!!!


+++++++++++++++
Happy Birthday (yesterday) to my oldest son. Bert is 47 now!!!!! (Hard to believe!) He and his family are back in Galveston, TX --after spending a year and a half in Las Vegas working in the restaurant industry there. Their old employers have called them back (Pointe West) to Texas since opening back up --after Hurricane Ike devastated that area... They are THRILLED to get back to Texas! Please pray that no more hurricanes hit that area anytime soon!

Hugs,

66 comments:

diane b said...

The little Blue babies are so cute. I love the one who is talking, probably saying come on get off its my turn.
Good luck and Happy Birthday to your son.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Happy late Birthday to your son. Glad they are getting to go home. The bluebirds are just the cutest little things. I thought your photos were great. Your header is just breathtaking! When I came over this morning I just sat and looked at it for a while. Such a beauiful picture. Hope you are doing o.k. and have a good week.

Cassie said...

My favorite photo is the 2nd from the bottom. Really sharp. How are you recovering? Hope you are all well now. Haven't seen you in a while. When Patrick is home he seems to keep me occupied!! Have a great week Betsy. Blessings, C

Tabor said...

They do have interesting colors this young. Nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

How sweet the speckled babies are! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos. Wishing all the best to your son.

Susan Tidwell said...

precious! don't you love watching nature out your window! just another perk of living in the country.

imac said...

Nice bird post Betsy, cool pics, no matter bout blur, tis a good feature.

Beth said...

Wonderful shots, Betsy...I do love those sweet speckled baby birds. We have a new bluebird family here, too, and I saw them all come to the birdbath the other evening. What a happy and wondrous sight that was!

Happy Birthday to your son!

amelia said...

Beautiful bluebird pics! We don't have them here and I've never seen one so it's nice to see them through your blog.
We are overrun with grackles and babies. They are a noisy pushy bird but they have babies and must be fed although I wish they would find someone else to feed them. They take over the feeders and nothing else gets close.
Happy birthday to your son!!! :)

Peggy said...

You got some beautiful photos of your baby blues! I put up another birdhouse and it now has 4 tiny blue eggs in it. Not sure if its the same bluebird family or a different one as we have several at the feeders. I don't seem to have much time to watch them and I miss that. Especially watching my hummingbirds. Have a very blessed week!

Jane said...

Love the pictures of the birds! It's hard to grow up, isn't it, even when you are a bird. Happy birthday to your son - you must have been a child bride. I'm glad that they were able to return to Texas - there's no place like home!

Jane

Cheryl said...

Good morning Betsy. I so enjoyed seeing the baby bluebird photos. Even though all three of the bluebird boxes here were occupied, I never saw any babies here...darn it. Happy belated birthday to your son, and how great that the family can return "home". Have a lovely week!

Valerie said...

Such an education I get when I visit your blog! Those baby blues are adorable. I am so glad to see what they look like - so I can Identify them here if/when I see them.

I have been afraid to put the suet out - because of the 90 degree temps - wondering if it makes an awful mess - but looks like you are still using it, so maybe I will try.

I finally have been able to replace my rusty red squirrel proof feeder - but had to spray the post - due to the hornet nest. They are still flying around - so I am waiting just a bit more for them to go away and not come back!
I'll post pictures soon!

T said...

What a great series of pictures - I've never had the chance to see baby blues!

Rose said...

Betsy, those baby blues are adorable! How blessed you are to be able to watch them grow up.

I think the wrens are starting a second nest now..if not, then they sure are thinking about it. They are out there and just sing and sing.

Adrienne Zwart said...

I'm so glad to see your bluebird photos, Betsy. Both my houses remain sadly empty. A pair of chickadees moved in briefly, but didn't stay. I'm hopeful for next season.

Catherine said...

Those baby birds are adorable!! They are going to be so fun to watch over the next few weeks.

Happy Birthday to your son!

Have a great week Betsy!
xo Catherine

Dar said...

Betsy, Your baby bluebirds have been a real treat. I still have not seen mine on the feeders, but have seen them splashing each other in the birdbath.
Birthday wishes to your son and welcome back to TX. I'm sure they are thrilled.
BlessYouAll

From the Old InkWell said...

Betsy, they are so precious. I know you are enjoying them! Bluebirds are hard to come by around my house.

Harriet said...

Love the blue bird pictures. You always get such great pictures.

Small City Scenes said...

Hi Betsy, thankyou for posting the continueing saga of the blue bird family. So enjoyable.
Birthday greetings to your son.
MB

Roses and Lilacs said...

Happy birthday, Bert! Good to hear he's back where he wants to be.

Loved seeing your bluebirds. I've been watching the woodpeckers bring their babies to the suet feeder. Our suet feeders are covered and the birds have to hang upside down so it's fun to watch them learn from papa.
Marnie

Arkansas Patti said...

Good to see the babies. My blues nest of eggs got wiped out by a snake I think for there was not a trace of shell. Maybe next year.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Betsy,your Baby Blues are so cute.I think it is funny how the young birds just keep on begging for food,even when they could easily feed themselves.I guess it's much like or children.:)
BLessings,Ruth

From the Kitchen said...

Love the birds--almost as much as the roses!

Best,
Bonnie

Karin said...

Awwww it's so lovely to hear and see the continuation of the Blue Birds! What entertainment they must provide! Love it! Happy Birthday to your son! They grow up so fast don't they, lol! I can't believe how old our kids are already when we're still so young!

Leenie said...

Just another comment to add to the long list. What fun to have those blues so close that you can see them grow up. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Dorothy said...

Great pictures, Betsy! I'm jealous because I never get to see the babies!!

Busy Bee Suz said...

The blues are so pretty!!!!
Happy birthday to your baby!

Big Dude said...

I think it's great fun assisting nature. When we first moved here we saw I lot less birds than I expected. So we put up songbird feeders, birdbaths, about a dozen bluebird houses and planted bird friendly plants. Now we're in a bird paradise. The wild flowers along the road are now seeding and full of bright goldfinches. Nature produces so great color.

DeniseinVA said...

I envy you your bluebirds Betsy. I have never seen any in my garden. Your photos are super, and show how cute they are. Happy birthday to Bert and praying for no more hurricanes.
An English Girl Rambles

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, I wish we had nesting Bluebirds. We're just too much in the woods. Our golf course has bluebird houses all along the perimeter so I can go down there to see them. Thanks for sharing yours.

nanny said...

I love these shots...so good!
I see the bluebirds going in and out of the house and wondered if they have another brood? I love watching them go in and out!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Those gorgeous blue skies in your header and the baby blues just made me so happy!!! Thank you Betsy for these moments of joy...and tell you son HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Fred Alton said...

One of the great joys of living here in Tennessee's mountains is the great variety of birds and wildlife. Thanks for sharing the very good pictures with all your fans.

Glenda said...

You really got some good close-ups of the babies! Love the one with the mouth wide open waiting for food! We haven't seen our blues lately and are hoping they return.

I wish your son and his family the best in their return to TX. Hope you have the best week yet since your surgery!

Glenda said...

You really got some good close-ups of the babies! Love the one with the mouth wide open waiting for food! We haven't seen our blues lately and are hoping they return.

I wish your son and his family the best in their return to TX. Hope you have the best week yet since your surgery!

Snap said...

Your babies are all grown up and looking beautiful!!!!!!

Rosa said...

I love these pics! I hardly ever get to see bluebirds up close. Awwwww. Happy belated birthday to your son! Mine just turned 21!

Anonymous said...

What spectacular pictures of the family of Bluebirds! You are lucky to be observing the little ones grow!

Sey said...

I am loving your bluebirds Betsy!!! I wish I could also spot some birds but that would be impossible here in the city! :(

Happy Birthday to your son and I am hoping that everything's well. I'll pray for their safety!

Sey

Julie said...

Happy Birthday to Bert!!! I say, no hurricanes, PERIOD, EVER AGAIN, anywhere!!! Your bluebird babies are soooo cute! Great shots of them...I like the last one where the little guy has his mouth open!

MadSnapper said...

Little sweeties is what you have here. soon to be beautiful and BLUE. i like the jam sessions they are having, they look like real conversations to me

Sunny said...

Aww, how cute! These are wonderful pictures, Betsy.
I've only ever seen a blue bird in our area once, I managed to get a couple of very blurry pictures!
♪♫ Happy Birthday ♫♪ to your son.
☼ Sunny

SmilingSally said...

With a title like this one, how could I resist visiting on a Monday?

Have a good one.

Love Of Quilts said...

You make some darling pictures of your little blue babys...it has a very calming effect to see the birds playing and eating doesn't it........makes me want a new camera....but guess I'll want on for a while....and enjoy your pictures. Trish

Together We Save said...

Those birds are so cute!! I am so glad your son is back to Texas where he wants to be. Oh and no... I don't think you had mentioned your granddaughter is a catcher also, and yes my oldest would love to attend UT. She has the grades, I just hope we can get the money worked out.

Barbara said...

Beautiful little blues, they sure feel at home, hugs Blessings

Ginny Hartzler said...

I hope Bert had a good birthday! These bluebird photos are just fabulous. I must say that I've seen lots of bluebird photos, but none of the babies or half grown ones!! So I am very interested to look at all the speckles, and how the blue is coming in.

LV said...

As usual I always enjoy whatever your share. These are super bird shots. However, the thing that blows me away is your header. That is truly a breathtaking, stunning shot.

Diane said...

Thanks for the great bluebird pics, Betsy. They're so pretty/cute. I'm sure those two are talking in the one with the clothespin. They're probably discussing that wierd gadget. Diane

Chris said...

I'm pleased that you were rewarded with seeing your baby blues on the feeder. We have enjoyed watching various types of baby birds in our garden too this year. Thanks for sharing Betsy.

Unknown said...

I am so 'blue'! IF we could only see the exquisite birds that you do ... I'd be in Heaven! You are so wonderful to share these fabulous moments with us.

Have a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Connie said...

I've never seen baby bluebirds that close before. Nice photo's. I've stopped feeding my birds for a while. The cat population around here this year has turned my bird feeder into a cat feeder. I'm glad I can still enjoy yours.

Carletta said...

I don't know that I've ever seen a baby blue - they are darling! I love that fifth picture that really shows the color well.

I was away when ours left the nest but I've seen a bluebird fly out of the box a couple of times this week. I'm crossing my fingers.
I'm so happy for your son and his family (Happy Birthday Bert). I had a friend working in Texas at the time of the hurricane. He said how devastating it was.
Will keep them in my prayers.

Shelley said...

How wonderful you get to witness these little miracles!! Those babies are so cute - glad you are able to enjoy them!
How's the weather by you?
Hugs,
Shelley

P.S. Greg and I will probably be taking another trip to Tenn. this fall. Will keep you posted!

Kirigalpoththa said...

The little birds looks very hungry!

carolina nana said...

It's fun to watch young birds learn the way of life. I have been watching a brood of wren babies and a brood of downy woodpecker babies come into their own around my feeders. The downy's are the most fun as they interact with each other almost like human brothers and sisters would. I saw a wren go back into the birdhouse today where they hatched a brood from earlier,I wonder if they are going to have a 2nd family?
Blessings to you
Marilyn

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

I do love bird pictures! Pretty blues, and some nice close pictures!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Love those mountain Bluebirds.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

What a joy to come here and see so many beautiful pictures. I will pray for your Son and his family...m...

SquirrelQueen said...

The little bluebirds are so cute with their speckled feathers. Isn't it cute that even that young they wait and take their turn. I love the second photo from the bottom, it does look like they are having a conversation.

A big Happy Birthday to your son Bert!

Mary said...

I'm glad your baby Blues stopped by for some photos...how cute!

Anonymous said...

Wow, 63 comments before mine. I had to scroll down a long, long way! Your bluebird babies are so cute!

Janie said...

Great pics of the baby blues. How fun that they finally came to the feeder and that you can recognize them as the young ones.
Happy birthday to your son. I hope the hurricanes stay away so he can stay in Texas.

Connie said...

Oh they're so cute, Betsy! It must be great fun to watch them. :)