060122 Young Bluebirds Make a Big Hit With Everyone

 052722                                                    Juvenile Eastern Bluebird

 It took weeks to get photos of the young bluebirds hatched at Heron Cove.  The first photo was taken of all three while they were together in one tree, then it became more and more difficult as they progressed high in sycamore trees eating insects.  The adult male was always there monitoring their progress, while we assume that the female is on more eggs.

Writer still has been unable to photograph all of them together, but the date given was the day that this photo finally happened.  Even though I could not get him in the picture, the father was close by as can he seen in the shot just below.                                 

                                                          Adult Male Eastern Bluebird

The proud father attending to his three juvenile birds.  Two winters ago, there was a freeze that lasted for quite some time that was responsible for the deaths of both bluebirds and Carolina Wrens.  The bluebirds have taken it upon themselves to increase their numbers, but the Carolina Wrens are few and far between.  There are other nesting wrens in several neighborhood locations.

053122                                               Juvenile Eastern Bluebird

In a more shaded area, this juvenile bluebird can be seen sporting its spots and its lack of the adult plumage.  Isn't it beautiful?

060122                                                 Male Northern Cardinal

This lovely cardinal was actually within the tangled trees and brush of Heron Cove.  Who thinks that there could easily be a nest in there?  One of the nest locations disappeared, as cleanup efforts were undertaken by the city and some valuable habitat was removed.  However, there is still plenty of habitat here and many birds are nesting this this wonderful area, including the Brown Thrasher, Warbling Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, Mourning Dove, Green Heron, grackles,  Eastern Kingbird, and plenty of others.