Thursday, March 3, 2011

Bluebird Watch

Yesterday,  it was warm enough to open the windows... WELL--to my surprise, I heard  a Mama Bluebird having a hissy fit on the deck...   She did this last year when she had baby bluebirds in the nestbox nearby...  She saw her reflection in the sliding door --so she thought another female was too close for comfort...

Anyhow--to make a long story short,  I started watching and taking pictures off and on all afternoon...  (What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.)  Here's what I saw!!!! Above is just a beautiful picture of a gorgeous little female Bluebird....  But---oh--if  you could hear her squawking and screeching (ALL afternoon)...  NO--it didn't get annoying --but I'm still not sure what she was so agitated about.




OKAY----so you take one of these,  a MALE Bluebird up in the trees------AND...





Another MALE Bluebird up in the trees-------AND...





My 'screechy' little FEMALE Bluebird.... SO--then you get...





THIS!!!!!  Three Bluebirds were sitting very quietly for the longest time in the trees!!!!  Note that both MALES are paying no attention to HER hollering (or singing????) --and they are paying no attention to each other...   I heard HER say:  "Hmmmm.. Which of these beautiful men do I want?  OR--which one of them will want me?????? Neither of them are looking at how beautiful I am."

WELL---they finally flew away in different directions . She followed one of them --but soon came back by herself,  still squawking....  Did her bellowing scare them away????? Hmmmmmmm...





She flew over to the nestbox and sat on top for awhile... Where is her MAN?????  Doesn't she look sad?????





Then she went to the 'door' to check out her home.





She went inside to check it out....  Mama Blluebird did this several times during the afternoon...  I never did see a male anymore.... SO?????  Is this just wishful thinking on her behalf????

The male is the one who is supposed to 'build' the nest....  BUT--if she doesn't have a male interested yet,  the nest will just stay empty..... (AND--since I looked inside yesterday,  I will tell you that as of right now,  the nest is empty!!!)

STAY TUNED!!!!  I'm sure I will have updates about my little Bluebirds....  (Last year,  Mama Bluebird got upset because the Chickadees were trying to take "her" nest... BUT--I haven't seen any Chickadees this year so far at the nestbox.)

Hope you had as great a Wednesday afternoon as I had.... Of course,  I didn't get any of my work done... Oh Well---tis life!!!!! ha ha... (Sorry that these are not my 'clearest' pictures... I was so excited --and just CLICKED away!!!)

Hugs,
at

65 comments:

  1. imacMarch 3, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    Nice B-Bird Tail, sorry Tale,lol.
    Love your Header Betsy.

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  2. BethMarch 3, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    Enjoyed this--am anticpating more of the "Bluebird Saga." The beautiful 'vest' of the one was really showed off---these are such cute birds.
    I found your other post interesting too. That's cool that you are able to find out so much about your ancestors. Hilliard is actually my maiden name (I saw where that was his wife's maiden name).
    I always wondered why they had doors on the pews back then--thanks for that little tidbeit of info.
    I enjoyed your comment on mine so much. Yes, we could certainly sit and talk and compare notes! I almost went into what you became--had actually declared it as my major. Then I became pregnant with our first child, dropped out of college, and it was 17 years later before I returned and I knew then I was to be an English teacher. Much had changed.
    Enjoy your day--looking forward to more bluebird photos.
    Also love the header.:)

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  3. Christmas-etc...March 3, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    How exciting all this is! Get work done...?? why would you want to miss a second of this fabulous show!? What pretty little birds too! I had a blackbird build a nest in a yucca on my veranda a couple years ago... so exciting!
    Looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds!
    Blessings!
    Ann

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  4. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪March 3, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    the males are so much more handsome with their orangy feathers.

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  5. From the KitchenMarch 3, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    I'm glad you took time out of your Wednesday to give us that little show. I hope she learns to hold her tongue a bit and find a mate.

    Would you please e-mail me at my same e-mail (which I'm accessing through macmail at the moment) so I'll have your e-mail address? My address book is lost on that account. I've switched to a new e-mail which I can send you when I get yours. Thanks.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  6. DarlaMarch 3, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    I guess she was a little too chatty for either of them!

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  7. DarlaMarch 3, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    Oh, I love the Spring look of your blog...

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  8. Ruth HiebertMarch 3, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    Oh my goodness.Who cares about work when there are Bluebirds to watch and photograph.I do hope she will get her man and be able to raise that family she has always dreamed of.I zoo enjoyed this post.Thanks Betsy.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  9. diane bMarch 3, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    What great way to spend an afternoon, looking through the lens of a camera and /or just watching the birds. The males were probably scared off by her nagging.

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  10. CatherineMarch 3, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Oh you lucky lucky girl having all that fun entertainment to watch out your window all spring!

    Have fun!
    xo Catherine

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  11. ConnieMarch 3, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Fun story, Betsy. You have your very own birdie soap opera right outside your window! HA! :)

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  12. Arkansas PattiMarch 3, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Really nice how you chronicled her delimmma. Perhaps her bossiness chased them off. I am hoping her actual mate didn't meet up with a car windshield.
    Hoping for the first scenario and she meets up with a hard of hearing male. Please keep following her and let us know.

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  13. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsMarch 3, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    This is a wonderful way to start my day...seeing these lovely bird photos just made me so happy!!! They are wonderful shots Betsy!!!

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  14. Fred AltonMarch 3, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    Oh! How fun!!! And especially for a bird-watcher like you. Absolutely great pictures of the blue birds.

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  15. MadSnapperMarch 3, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    sounds to me like she is a typical woman that can't make up her mind. maybe she was telling them she was waiting for "the right one"
    I forgot to say yesterday how much i love our lavender dotted swiss that matches your header flowers so perfectly. you blog is screaming springtime

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  16. SnapMarch 3, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    beautiful crocus! can't wait to hear the next episode in the blue bird tale ... hope she finds her man!

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  17. KarinMarch 3, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Maybe this next generation of bluebirds has new ways and ideas of going about traditional courtship! You know, like kids nowadays, lol! Enjoyed reading your Bluebird Chronicles! And who needs to work when there's birds to watch! All I've had in front of our window on the 9th floor is a pair of black crows doing aerobatics in the white blizzard - interesting contrast!

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  18. Big DudeMarch 3, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    We had the house opened yesterday and it was really nice. We used to have very few bluebirds and several years ago I put up about 10houses on the posts around my neighbors pasture and we have scads now. It's always nice to give nature a hand.

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  19. TracyMarch 3, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Betsy,
    In the photo of her sitting atop of the 'house' she's thinking, 'well, crap, I blew that one!'
    I loved today's post....the photos are gorgeous and it will be amazing to see what is in store for today!
    and NO, my dear; I am not pregnant! ...bite your tongue~ today, my last day of freedom I am off to charm the pants off the car dealer to trade in our old Honda Odyssey and to lower our payments...my husband sent me; imagine that because he said I could charm them! so wish me luck and we'll see what happens...
    Have a great day!
    love and hugs...

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  20. ameliaMarch 3, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    The housework will still be there but the bluebirds might not be so you did the right thing by watching!!

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  21. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I can't remember that I've ever actually seen a blue bird in real life. Love that you were able to get pictures. The female definitely looks disgruntled...LOL!

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  22. DarMarch 3, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    She will find a mate...soon she will have so much interest in her chattering that they will be fighting over her gorgeous self. I like the blurred photos...very candid. Have a great bird-watching day. Send some of those bluebirds my way in about another 2 months. My nest boxes are waiting for the first scouts.
    BlessYourHeartSista

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  23. The Retired OneMarch 3, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    They are gorgeous little birds! We don't see any here, although they have been sighted in Michigan before. We still have cold temps.and snow on the ground, though, so there won't be any nests here for a while. But what a cute story with pictures to go with it. I will be looking forward to hearing more about your bird episodes.

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  24. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    as i was scrolling down your page, i noticed your "I am so Twitterpated" pic in the sidebar... that's funny! =)

    your birdies are so beautiful, Betsy! =0

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  25. Out on the prairieMarch 3, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Which I had a few here. I saw one out in the country so hope to have them at least checkout all the boxes i have placed around my area. I think i will try to get a few more out this next week.

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  26. RoseMarch 3, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I saw bluebirds on our drive Sunday...I have never seen one here in town. They are such a beautiful little bird...such a gorgeous shade of blue.

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  27. DianeMarch 3, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    I hope she isn't obsessed with her image in the window, that could really get to be a problem for you.

    I really love your pictures, Betsy. The bluebirds are so beautiful and for you to have a ringside seat - wow!

    Diane

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  28. Linda at To Behold The BeautyMarch 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    They are such beautiful birds, and you're so blessed to have them in your yard. I hope the little mama gets her man.

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  29. Lady Di TnMarch 3, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Great photos and I too enjoy just watching our feathered friends. Thanks for sharing. Peace

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  30. Kim@stuffcould....March 3, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Love this weather, so nice. The birds are gorgeous and your pics always!

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  31. Ginny HartzlerMarch 3, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    You know I ALWAYS get very excited about your bird posts!!! I like the second picture best, the light is georgous on the bluebird. What a strange and curious story! I really don't know what to make of it. I would think that the males were staking out their territory, but they paid no attention to each other, either! Keep us posted!!! Now if a female chooses the birdhouse, I guess you'll have no way of knowing if it is this one.

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  32. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    I love bluebirds...and your photos of same are fantastic! My son put up a bluebird house so my husband could watch them from his bed. We only ever had a pair at the time and they nested every year! Since I've moved I hope they'll be using their house again this year. I miss them...I so enjoyed watching them and I'm very thankful for your photos!

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  33. Diane AZMarch 3, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Hi Betsy, How exciting to watch all that bluebird drama unfolding. Great pictures, keep us posted!

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  34. floweringmamaMarch 3, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I saw my first bluebird of the season yesterday. Unfortunately it was toooooo far away and I didn't have time to grab my camera.

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  35. Pat - ArkansasMarch 3, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Is there a better way to spend an afternoon than watching bluebirds? I don't think so!

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  36. LorenMarch 3, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Betsy,

    I think you could make this into a book! your pictures are beautiful and your story was too! I can just see teachers all over reading to their students :)

    Looking forward to more Bluebird Tales!

    Hugs!

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  37. Busy Bee SuzMarch 3, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    They are just the cutest....I would also get lost in time watching them.
    xoxo
    Suz

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  38. HarrietMarch 3, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Was there a cat near by? The birds in our yard will fuss if there is a cat waiting to get them.

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  39. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    This is as good as Young and the Restless! ;-) Keep us posted!

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  40. JoMarch 3, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Oh Betsy! Ditto to what I do with my day! I decided early in the morning I have this, that and the next to do. Then I hear a bird call, go outdoors and fifteen minutes later I'm still creeping around the garden following the call or photographing what I saw. This happens at least every half an hour in my day. What a life! These are BEAUTIFUl photos and a lovely story. I look forward to seeing what mama bluebird gets up to next. Have a blessed weekend my dear Betsy. (((hugs))) Jo PS I LOVE your croccusses in the header.

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  41. ShugMarch 3, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Hey there Betsy: You have been a busy bee today...Your post today has left me feeling sorry for little missy! It's bad to be rejected by one male, but TWO..WOW that has to hurt. I especially love the picture with all three of the little birdies sitting on the tree branch.
    Hope your afternoon is just as full of joy as your morning was...
    Sweet hugs,
    Shug

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  42. ShugMarch 3, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Hey there Betsy: You have been a busy bee today...Your post today has left me feeling sorry for little missy! It's bad to be rejected by one male, but TWO..WOW that has to hurt. I especially love the picture with all three of the little birdies sitting on the tree branch.
    Hope your afternoon is just as full of joy as your morning was...
    Sweet hugs,
    Shug

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  43. ShugMarch 3, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Hey there Betsy: You have been a busy bee today...Your post today has left me feeling sorry for little missy! It's bad to be rejected by one male, but TWO..WOW that has to hurt. I especially love the picture with all three of the little birdies sitting on the tree branch.
    Hope your afternoon is just as full of joy as your morning was...
    Sweet hugs,
    Shug

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  44. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsMarch 3, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Poor little bluebird! :( Hope she gets herself a man soon!
    Love the header!

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  45. mamahasspokenMarch 3, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Who knew that a bluebird is such a tramp!

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  46. ValerieMarch 3, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Oh Betsy you are so lucky!! Crocuses, and bluebirds!
    So beautiful!!

    We still have piles of snow! I took a walk on the bikepath today (the temp was 23 - but I just had to get some exercise and fresh air - at least the sun was shining!

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  47. WendyMarch 3, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    What cute stories you make up! Love those bluebirds. You are lucky! Thanks for sharing.

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  48. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Like you, I get lost watching the birds. I lose track of time. Can't wait to hear more about this little blue bird! Have a good night.

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  49. NCmountainwomanMarch 3, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Oh, I am so jealous, but happy for you. What a great way to spend the day!

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  50. Mary Isabella and Kiley too!March 3, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Loved the pictures and the bluebird story. I love your new header....m....

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  51. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    I've spent many an afternoon watching and photographing our back yard birds. Now, I'm doing the same with our new kitty. No wonder I don't get much done around the house! Nice pictures of the bluebirds!

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  52. CarlettaMarch 3, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    I'm sure she'll soon be a bluebird of happiness!!!
    Lovely photo essay Betsy!

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  53. carolina nanaMarch 3, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Lovely way to spend an afternoon,watching our backyard birds in action. I did this yesterday and find it so relaxing and enjoyable.
    Do Bluebirds mate for the season with the same mate?
    Have a blessed tomorrow
    Marilyn

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  54. SunnyMarch 3, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    These are just the dearest little birds, I wish we had them in our area.
    ☼ Sunny

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  55. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    "Joyful Reflections" has been included in this weeks Sites To See. I hope you like the image I featured, and I hope this helps to attract many new visitors here.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2011/03/sites-to-see.html

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  56. SquirrelQueenMarch 4, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    What a fun way to spend an afternoon Betsy, the little bluebirds are adorable. Maybe Mama will make up her mind soon and the chosen daddy can get started on the nest.

    It must be the right time of the year for fussy female birds. The other night there was a pheasant in our backyard screaming and fussing at something. It was already dark so I couldn't see it but it was really making a fuss.

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  57. mudderbearMarch 4, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    This is just totally delightful. I think that God must really like you a lot to show you all these wonderful birds. I doubt that many people are given that special gift. It's so awesome. ^.^)

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  58. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 4:34 AM

    I am an optimist. I think the nest will get built and the babies will fledge and this first episode will repeat itself next year.

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  59. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Hi Betsy, Oh yes, love is surely in the air! : )
    Have an outstanding day today and an excellent weekend (even if it does get rainy over the weekend).

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  60. DayPhotoMarch 4, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Poor little girl. I'm hoping the perfect man comes along soon. He was probaly just here and is on his way to there.

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

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  61. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    What a great way to spend the day. And you've got some good snaps to remember this wonderful day.

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  62. LyndaMarch 4, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    It sounds like you have not only studied pictures so you can identify each bird but you have also read up a bit on their habits. Good for you.

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  63. KathyAMarch 4, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Divorce is just so rampant these days! No one wants to work it out!! :)
    Maybe if you went out and talked to her?

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  64. eileeninmdMarch 5, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Great post, it is always fun to have a couple of bluebirds nesting on your birdhouses. They are my all time favorite bird. I just love them . Wonderful photos, Betsy!

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  65. JanieMarch 7, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Great photos, Betsy, and interesting behavior of the little female. I wonder what she was up to. I guess we'll see if the males get interested soon.

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