Bird of the Week – Mountain Bluebird
Okay, Enough ducks already. Let’s look at a thrush. WC isn’t sure Mountain Bluebirds breed in Alaska every year; they seem to come and go. But it sure is a treat when you find one.
Mountain Bluebird, Delta Barley Project
Birds of North America says,
The Mountain Bluebird is one of the most sublime of all North American passerines. Like other North American bluebirds, it is beautiful, bold, and charismatic, with a dedicated human following. Indeed, many people view bluebirds as emblematic species representing all that is good in the world.
The truth is a little less bluebird-like. The species thrives in areas of human disturbance. It happily accepts nest boxes, the only North American thrush to use a cavity instead of an open nest. Uniquely among thrushes, it can hover, and prefers bugs more than other thrushes. Where there aren’t manmade boxes available, Mountain Bluebirds nest in woodpecker cavities. Which may be why WC has seen them in old forest fire burns.
But it sure is a treat to see that electric blue in your binoculars. WC has spotted them in the Delta Junction area and even in Denali National Park (although the sighting wasn’t accepted as proof the species occurs there).
Bird geek stuff: f6.3, 1/500, ISO250.
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.
Mountain bluebirds are lovely and far more subtle than Eastern bluebirds. Nice shot of one!
Robins have been battling for territory for several weeks over here. I’m surprised they did so given how fickle the weather has been. Bold robins. Gotta stake it out now in order to persuade someone to choose to cast her lot with him.
So – any word on when Track Palin will be going to court? I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s holed up in a rehab facility now and/or the case goes nowhere. ‘Cause he’s a Palin and apparently she may have enough clout remaining to punish those who discuss what they’ve seen behind her doors. Like Baba Yaga.
Approximately where is “over here”,if you don’t mind my asking? Sure can’t be NW iowa.
Mid-Atlantic state.
Close enough and thanks..
First Robin of Spring blew into iowa today. Pretty early,but it is in the 50’s today.