Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Bluebird(s) of Happiness!

Be still my heart!
(photo altered using Dry Brush filter)
Look what is sitting on my deck railing!

I'd never even seen a bluebird in my entire life until last year during a walk in the cemetery.

And now these little beauties are gracing our backyard with their presence!
For the first time - ever!
And we've been in our house going on 34 years!

The suet is a big draw!

The males outnumber the females big time.

As a matter of fact, I've really only seen one female, but I've seen anywhere from 2 to 3 and even up to 7 or more males at one time.

I'm really hoping these gorgeous little birds stay around, so I ordered a couple of bluebird houses online.

Hopefully they'll arrive soon and some of these little ones will take up residence in our yard.

We've been running a good 20 degrees below the average temps for this time of year, so I know it's been hard for the birds that have arrived already. 

Hopefully the seed, suet, and heated birdbath water will keep them going until the weather warms up a bit.

And my other 'blue' birds, the jays, are thriving on their supply of peanuts and fresh water.
I love the one on the right coming in for a landing!

I'm really looking forward to setting the clocks ahead this weekend and gaining another hour of daylight at day's end! I know it stinks that the mornings will be darker longer, but the days seem longer when it stays light later, so I'm anxious to make the change.

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday this week.

Have a great week, everyone!

Donna

24 comments:

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Beautiful!

S
xo

Suz said...

oh my! I am jealous
We have them at our house in Galena...and they nest in the boxes...but we have never had them that close to the house...
Is your winter retreating? not ours
It is really getting me down...though the cats don't seem to mind as long as I give THEM a seat by the window by the feeder

Deb said...

The bluebirds are so adorable, Donna. They are shaped just like the endearing chickadee. I have never seen one up close. Your photos are beautiful especially the 'landing' one. Amazing! Deb

NanaDiana said...

OMGosh, Donna! We do not have bluebirds like that here. Aren't they beautiful? I wonder if they are just passing through on a migratory path? We get small bright blue indigos but they are only here for about 7 to 10 days and then they are gone.
I hope yours stay, Donna. They are gorgeous! xo Diana





Geri Meftah Art said...

What a beautiful coloured birds.
Love to see them!

Gayle Ann Berg said...

Wow! What gorgeous photos! They are remarkable, especially the flying one. It rivals any magazine photo I've ever seen. I really enjoyed seeing the bluebird, as I've never seen one.

Debby said...

Such a cute little bird. We don't see the here.
I did see a blue jay yesterday. He had such a sweet trumpet like chirp.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Your photos are phenomenal! The first time I saw them was when I lived in East Texas. They came every year to the house on the fence. They seemed to like it about 5-6 feet high. They come scout it out first.
Brenda

Southern Lady said...

Love bluebirds!! -Carla

Unknown said...

They are beautiful and I am so happy for you! How exciting to have them in your neighborhood -- finally! We are having the same glorious experience with 2 squirrels! Apparently the hawks pretty much destroyed the squirrel population in our area and we have lived in our home for 10 years without ever seeing one -- until a few months ago! They are finally coming back! Such fun.

Terri said...

I love bluebirds, but I've never seen one where I live. Hope your bluebird houses encourage them to raise families.

Edith DUTERTRE said...

un petit oiseau de toutes les
couleurs ♫ ♪ ♫
ou tu vas dit , je vais avec toi
nous avons des geais
mais pas d'oiseaux bleus
dommage
bisous
edith (iris) France

Catsngrams said...

What a treat. All I have seen so far here is robins and sporrows and doves. I would love to see a blue bird maybe I will try some suet feeders. Thanks Donna for the beautiful pic.

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Oh what beautiful birds! I can't remember when I've seen a Bluebird? I see a rate Bluejay, but they have become sparse since the horrible song sparrows (not native to US, came from England). Your photos are incredible and now I feel like I've seen them again, yes this has been such a hard winter for our friends and I always make sure our feeders are full, and water is melted for them.

michele@Portlandia Vintage said...

What beautiful beings to share your yard with. I am so glad you are feeding them when they need it. Wonderful photos.

Patty Rumaker said...

Your birdies are lovely. They are so much fun to watch and I love to hear birds singing. I am ready for spring!
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

BeachGypsy said...

I surely do love the bluebirds! I've not seen them in our yard for a couple of months now.....now I see why---they are up at YOUR BACKYARD!! LOL LOL They are so pretty arent' they?? love the photos you captured especially the 'in flight' one, that is amazing!!! enjoy them, they are so sweet, arent' they?? NO wonder they are called the 'blue birds of happiness'

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have never had bluebirds in our area either ( Western PA ) So I can imagine your excitement !! That is a great capture of the Jay coming in for his landing! Love it! ;0

Greg_1948 in_WA said...

Those are great outdoor bird photographs, I enjoy seeing the blue jays. I remember them. They do not live here.

Pamela said...

I just love the blue birds and all birds for that matter. You captured them so beautifully! The best thing to do is put up houses for them so they will stay. I learned that from the local bird feeder place here.
I love cardinals too!!

Marie Arden said...

They are so pretty We get them here in Marietta GA but never nest in our nest box and Audubon people were here said box was in a great spot. Who knows mysteries of nature. Enjoy them and thanks for sharing

Nevin said...

Beautiful clicks :)

Elaine said...

You got some great shots! I have never seen a bluebird either. Well you have, now.

I am sure they will love staying in their new birdhouses in your yard. Your yard is a sanctuary for all living creatures.

Donna said...

It's hard to adjust in the mornings, but I really like the evening light! It looks like the bluebirds are thinking about spring 2014!