See that picture above???? There are 2 male Bluebirds hoping to mate with a beautiful female Bluebird.... You should remember this story (click
HERE) since I blogged about it on March 3. WELL-------to make a long story short, all of this drama went on and on and on, for about a month!!!! Here is MORE of the story!!!
The two males (after following Miss Female around for weeks) decided to 'fight' for her... Excuse the blurry pictures ---but the light was terrible, and I was photographing from my bedroom window through the window AND screen... BUT--I wanted to share them to show you the drama that some birds go through to establish their territory.
One Bluebird had the other one upside down!!!! Wish you could have been here to see (and HEAR) the noise going on in our backyard. (By the way, they did not hurt one another ---except for the pride of the one who LOST!!!)
You can see Mama Bluebird looking on ---and believe me, she was making as much noise as the two males were!!!!
WELL---one of the males WON. Here is the happy couple!!! For those of you who have asked what the difference is in the male and female, this picture shows you the difference. The male (a much more vivid blue color) is on the left, and the female is on the right.
Here's a great picture of Mama Bluebird.
AND--here's Papa Bluebird.
When we got home from vacation, I saw Papa Bluebird at the nestbox (Picture above). SO--- we checked to see what is in the nestbox... Guess What???? George and I are going to be Bird-Grandparents of FOUR baby Bluebirds.. There are
4 little blue eggs in the nest.... HOW EXCITING!!!!!!
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On another note, I am SO enjoying watching the EAGLES from the webcam at Decorah, Iowa. As of yesterday, two of the three eggs have hatched.. What cute little balls of fir!!!!! The third egg should hatch soon. I love seeing what good parents these Eagles are, and I love watching them feed their babies. It's truly AWESOME --and ADDICTIVE!!!!! ha....
I keep the website streaming on my computer all day long --so that I can keep checking on them!!!! The craziest thing was watching them eat a large rabbit --which they brought to the nest. I'm not keen on seeing animals eat other animals --but it's their way of life.
Eagles are NOT clean birds ---and don't even know how to clean the eggshells out of the nest. That is totally opposite from the Bluebirds, which are extremely CLEAN.
IF you want to check out the Eagles, click
HERE. You ought to see those fuzzy little baby eaglets.
Hugs,
P.S. Just letting everyone know that many counties in Tennessee had severe weather yesterday. There was even damage near us. BUT--luckily, our area is fine (thanks be to God). We did have high winds and TONS of rain... May God be with those who lost their homes and loved ones due to this severe weather.
62 comments:
Welcome back! I caught up your first blog back and the place looks absolutely divine! What an incredible spot and I too would love it despite any weather.
I haven't checked out the eagles yet, but will.
I am glad to get the update on the bluebirds. I didn't realize the males fought like that. That one photo with the one male upside down was a bit humorous! :)
I look forward to your pics of the little ones after they've hatched and ventured out into the world.
I can feel your enthusiasm and great spirit throught the computer--so good to 'hear' your voice again.
Good Morning Betsy, Your bluebird pictures are great. It will be fun to follow their progress. Hope you have a nice day.
I hope we mamma bird is appreciative of what the male went through to win her heart. How exciting to see the whole affair and the result of it.
Glad you were safe from storm damage and my thoughts are with those who lost their homes. We still have people out of their homes after the floods in January, mostly due to insurance and finance hold ups.
You have a very exciting yard, Betsy. I enjoyed seeing the blue birds mating game unfold.
I haven't seen seen a blue bird in person, they are beautiful little feathered friends.. you are lucky to have so many in your area.
be well and happy
Pam
I failed to mention,yesterday,how pretty the new blog look is.I think this is very attractive.Wow,those Bluebirds are serious about getting a mate.I also just realized that the female you show is much brighter than the ones that show up here.I sometimes have to look very carefully to see the blue on a female,they are very drab.Good luck with that nest,I hope to see many more posts about Bluebirds.Praisse God that you were kept safe during the storm.Have a fabulous day
...exciting post, Betsy!!! Glad you were able to catch it with your camera, and I can't wait to see the babies. I hope they all survive! Welcome home!
I'm glad we don't to have a physical fight to win the girl. Decorah, IA has this live feed and Seed Savers Exchange - not bad for a town of 8500.
Betsy! How exciting this is-and you got a lot of great photos!
I enjoyed this -a LOT! :)
Junie
We are beginning to mind meld. I am linking to the eagles on a future post and I also have a blue bird story reading to publish in a few days! Are you sure you do not live next door?
Welcome home. You've done some redecorating. Enjoyed the story of the bluebirds and now yor're going to be grand-brid-parents! Exciting!
Tough to be a bluebird parent. I haven't seen any nesting here yet. Glad you are having fun with the eagles,a friend wrote yesterday she wasn't going to get anything done wrapped up watching them.This is a lovely area of Iowa, I go up there a lot to trout fish and camp.
Bluebirds?Fighting?!! I'm shocked and disappointed!
HA!
Cant wait to see the grandbirdies.
Glad you made it back safely. I have missed you and seeing all the birds and flowers. I am sorry I have not been back to you sooner, but I have been without power. Finally got it back around midnight last night. My sister lives in Hernando, Ms which is about 25 miles south of Memphis and she said it was terrible around there. She stayed in the closet half the night.
I'll go check out the eagles after work tonight! Thanks for the link! Your Bluebird story was fascinating - thanks for sharing! What have you done with the place - it looks LOVELY!!
I'm happy that the bluebirds decided to nest in the box this year. Looking forward to seeing the grandbirdies.
So glad you missed the bad weather. It is that time of year when the weather channel is our best friend.
Glad the Blue birds settled who was going to further the species. Sorry that one guy had to waste so much time and still not get the girl.
It that rabbit eating thing I can't do. I know they do, it is nature, I just can't watch it.
What a neat story, and you were observant enought to catch it for the rest of us. Loved it!...and the best part is they are living in your birdhouse...Look forward to seeing what happens next.
Beautiful pictures Betsy. I love blue birds. We have a family in our yard as well. :)
Thanks for this bluebird story. They are such beautiful birds. We have a few around here, but they're rare enough that it's a real treat to see one.
who knew?? i certainly did not know about them fighting like that. i must say the happy couple is beautiful but they don't look all that happy with each other. maybe she knows what is coming when the eggs hatch. nice story and pictures.
So YOU are the reason I couldn't get on-line to see the eagles..you had it on ALL DAY. hahaa I finally did get in and it is amazing. I will miss seeing them when we are away from the computer this coming week. Your bluebird photos are so neat...wish we had those birds here...they are gorgeous!!
I have been following the Maine eagles since 2006 and it is addictive!! Their nest is always the first thing I go to in the AM.
What drama at your house!! Not much different from the posturing of males of the human race at a certain age I guess!!!
OH the DRAMA!!!!!!!!
So cute. Congrats on the new babies....pink or blue? OR both???
The bluebirds are so pretty but do fight for their rights! Eagles, interesting! Yeah we had those storms also, I am thankful for a nice day today! Thank God for no damage here either
kim
I love a good fight, especially if no one gets hurt.
Your pictures tell the story, and I love all the shots! Can't wait for your babies to be born.
the bluebirds are not only beautiful but loving too. Look at them fighting for a woman, so romantic.
Dating can be dangerous I see. We have had male cardinals fighting like mad around here...we also had severe weather this morning staring at 2:30 for a couple of hours....
I wonder if Mama Bluebird had a preference? No matter, such lovely news you shared--four little grandbirds on the way.
Glad you escaped the horrible weather. We have sunshine today and I'm heading out to face it!! And look for green.
Best,
Bonnie
First, I am so glad that you were spared from the storms that I saw on the news, in your area yesterday. So pleased to come to your blog this morning and find all is well! I thoroughly enjoyed the bluebird posts. I was amazed by the "discussions" between the males as to who is going to win Ms. Bluebird's hand, er, wing!
How very neat Betsy! I love bluebirds but we seldom see them as our yard is pretty enclosed. As far as the eagles... I have them on a lot as well and I see the third egg appears to be opening. After a year and a half and many, many phone calls, about our very slow DSL, I just got some action on resolving the problem and it's wonderful... no longer as frustrating trying to open the posts of others.
We might hit 50 degrees today... yeah! Take care and thanks for sharing your zest for life!!! Larry
Wow ~ You really took some amazing shots!! looks like WWF ~ world wresting federation only Bluebird style LOLOL How exciting that you have babies on the way! I love that!! I know we will have pics in our near future and I can't wait!
I went back to read yesterdays post! Welcome Home you two :) You were both missed! Your cabin was heavenly for sure!!
So glad your house was ok! This weather has just been crazy! We have been dealing with fires everywhere! We had some less than 1/2 a mile from our home yesterday and with the winds like they are it is very dangerous! Lots of prayes going up for the weather....ours and yours!
Hi Betsy, I love this post because I LOVE Bluebirds! I've watched many over the years in our backyard but have never seen any kind of drama like you witnessed. How interesting, I didn't know the little boogers got so aggressive! Mama bird must feel really special. :D
Glad you escaped the worst of the storms. Have a great day! Hugs, Cheryl
Your pictures of the blue bird couple are gorgeous! Isn't it wonderful when you can abserve the whole ritual?! Love this post. Sorry about your bad weather. We only had thunderstorms and not much wind as anticipated. Have a most wonderful day!
Oh Betsy, I do love your stories and pictures. Thank you so much for sharing.
The weather worries me. I do believe the Lord above is trying to call this country to repentance.
I am so glad you faired well through the weather yesterday. We made it ok too. Just lots of wind and rain!!
Just look at that bright brilliant blue on the male... gorgeous (the female, too)!
We had severe weather here in SeMo, too, & I heard on the radio this morning that 2 18 wheelers were overturned on one of the hwys around here somewhere due to high wind gusts! Can you imagine how hard the wind would have to blow to overturn a semi? Sheesh! Both drivers are ok tho... THANK GOD! =)
Hi Betsy, Beautiful Eastern Bluebirds and an amazing photo essay today! We came out OK from last night's storm but we do have damage to our pontoon boat and a hole in the dock from where a large Oak fell on it. Our insurance agent has been here and the claim is underway. Have a great day today!
A bluebird fight, yes!! I'm so glad you posted these pictures, I don't care about the quality. They are amazing! I can't WAIT to see the babies!!!
Great story and shots of the blue birds. I was lucky to watch a family of them in my yard for a couple of years too.
I'm going to check out the eagles.
Oh Betsy that is so sweet. I didn't know the difference so thanks for sharing that. What drama they go thru... for a female bird. Sweet. Thanks for sharing this. We had lots of wind and rain but it blew through quik. Hate it for those who sustained some damage.
I think Miss Blue Bird made an excellent choice in mates!
Great pictures......I wonder if mama was cheering for one the guys? ha
I always asume the pretty one is the male....as in most animals...
I have bluebirds too and I just love them. I didn't know they fought each other...I'll have to be on the lookout for this!
Little Mama had suitors fighting over her! Sometimes natures world really does reflect our own. :)
Good to hear they have mated and are expecting! I know you must be excited.
Glad to hear the storms didn't bother your area. We had them too but the most damage was about an hour away.
I'm glad that storm didn't do any damage your way, Betsy! Sadly, I think this will be a spring full be full of severe storms.
Your bluebird photos told an interesting story ..and now has a happy ending. I can't wait to see your photos of the chicks.
I've been watching the eagles too! They are fantastic parents!
Betsy,
First off...so sorry to hear about the people who lost their homes and suffered damage; hor horrible!
I love the tale of the bluebirds in photos...very cool! and so glad to hear the bird was not hurt since I don't like sad movies :)
I hope you are enjoying your time at home!
OK....Let me start with the Eagle.
I have been sitting here watching and I am so thankful you posted this video. the babies are so cute!
And then on to the birds....what wonderful pictures to capture of the males fighting for Her.
Great job Betsy...
shug
what fun to follow the progress of the bluebirds. Not to mention the eagles.
Glad to hear that the storm didn't do any damage for you.
Glad you're okay! I thought of you when I heard of storms in your area.
Great action captures of the male bluebirds fighting for a mate.
They're beautiful birds. Congrats on the impending birth of 4 bird grandchildren!
Looks like that was quite a wrestling match! HA! Great pictures of your bluebird friends, Betsy! Hurray for eggs in the nest too.
I've been watching the eagles in the video--fascinating to see. :)
That is quite a fight to win the female :)
I've been watching the eagles too! Today a teacher had it streamlined on the tv while the momma fed the babies. When I told them what it was, all the kids yelled "eewwwwwuuuu" totally funny.
I'm jealous!! We only have 2 bluebird eggs, but we have chickadees and wrens sitting on their eggs, too!
I'm glad your area escaped the damages from the storms.
How sad that those pretty birds got into such a fight. I wonder if there is a shortage of female bluebirds in your area or if they both just happened to like that particular female ???? Oh the wonders of nature. I've been watching the eagles also.
We had terrible winds and storms last night but had no damage and we were one of the lucky few who didn't loose power.
HAve a blessed tomorrow
Marilyn
This is very exciting. You captured some beautiful and dramatic pictures of the bluebirds Betsy. Glad you're O.K. I heard about that on the news. Diane
The bird story was great. I love the photos. Thanks for sharing.
I wonder if the female was rooting for a particular male? That is so exciting that they have a nest in the box, I will be looking forward to seeing those babies.
I was reading about the storm that moved through and wondered how close it got to your area. Glad to hear you and George had no damage.
Betsy,
I loved so much! Hats off for your patience to follow up with them. Loved your lovely clicks too. I will check the eagle's link for sure. Thanks for the post.
You have a nice day!
Love those little bluebirds. I can hardly wait for your photos of the babies.
I'm glad you are safe. The storms associated with that front were very destructive. We got only high winds and rain.
Hi Betsy.
I to have a blue bird box in my yard. It produces every year and in the early spring the yard is full of Blue Birds, I suppose they are seeing if the box is available. I have seen one hatching this year, and now there are four eggs in the box. I enjoy watching them. Thanks for sharing your birds.
What a story...you could almost write a children's book about the Birds in Betsy's Yard.
Now that's a romantic saga!! Blue birds are my favorite -- it's always such a special treat when I spot one in the yard.
And watching those eagles is so exciting! Don't you just love raptors??! Yes, the rabbit part not so much...
What a great bluebird story. How interesting to get to see all that. I've been following the eagle cam in Norfolk, VA. Their 3 babies hatched while I was in the hospital and are growing really fast. So intersting to get to see in these nests. The camera quality is so good on the Norfolk one.
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