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

A study in blue jays

Not really. I just couldn't think of a better title.

 This photo was taken about a month ago, when the babies were everywhere! They've always got their little beaks open and their feathers ruffled it seems. And goodness, do they squawk for mommy & daddy to bring them some food!

...which is what this little fellow was doing. I think mom & dad were practicing tough love, though, and sending him off to search for some food on his own.

Here's a mom or dad visiting the deck.

These were taken much more recently, during our heat wave a week or so ago, which is why this fellow's beak was open even though he wasn't waiting for someone to magically drop food into it like the first little guy.

Birds actually pant when it's quite hot out.

Oops, it looks like I've been spotted.

Of course the other thing they do when they're hot is visit one of the many birdbaths in the yard.

And it never hurts to find the tallest perch to try to catch some sort of breeze! I'm so glad we got this birdhouse put back together because it is a favorite place for the birds to survey the yard for peanuts, bugs, moths, you name it.

Stay cool, everyone! We're in for a run of hot weather here in New England!

I'm linking to Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at the lovely Fishtail Cottage

and Cindy's Show & Tell Friday at the beautiful My Romantic Home.

Donna