Best nest

Everyone is busy choosing the best nesting spot, gathering materials, and building the perfect nest. These Wakarusa Wetlands bluebirds were checking out several different trees while I was there. Location, location, location. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Baby bluebird

I saw this little fellow in a parking lot at the lake. He was about halfway between two nest boxes, so he could have fledged from either. I walked over to him so he would move into the grass. I thought this would be out of harm’s way. About twenty minutes later, I came back by and the big mowers were going near where he was. I ran over as fast as I could and tried to wave at the guy mowing to stop. He wouldn’t stop, just waved at me, so I ran ahead and looked for the little bluebird in the grass. I never found him, but I hope that means he took off with his parents. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

More bluebirds!

While the bluebirds are a year-round treat in these parts, they’re not always so easy to find in the winter. It’s nice to see them returning to their usual spots near nest boxes and other regular nesting areas. This barbed wire fence is a particular favorite. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Cold human, beautiful bluebirds

I managed to walk around the lake for a while on Tuesday. I imagine it will be a few days before I get out there again with the forecast of  a twenty-below wind chill for the next few days. I had the area below the dam to myself on Tuesday. I expected to see a few eagles, but there were not too many around. I did stumble upon a tree full of wonderful bluebirds. They were very curious about me. I thought I heard them say, “What are you doing out here, silly human?” Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor