WildView™

April 29, 2024

Bluebird House-hunting

- as seen by -

Julie Larsen

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The songbirds of spring have arrived. And they are house-hunting.

A buoy-shaped birdhouse hangs in our backyard where we hope to attract some tenants. It is a cerulean surprise when a male Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) stops by, pokes his head in the nest hole, sizes up the space, and waves his wings – all part of his seasonal display to attract a mate.

A female bluebird, a gray and blue-tinged version of the male, arrives to see what all the fuss is about. If he wins her approval, she’ll say yes and do the rest of the nest building in this odd-shaped beach house for birds.

While bluebirds can be spotted in backyards, they usually fancy nest boxes built to their specific style that are placed in pastures and other grassland areas.

We cross our fingers that these small thrushes have completed their house-hunting and will return for future broods and seasons.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Wild View celebrates its 10th year of contributions from an international community of people making wildlife photography and wildlife news. Thanks to the photographers, biologists, and naturalists who continue to offer a glimpse into the world of wildlife and a lens on the conservation challenges of our day.

Nikon D5 with 200-500mm Nikon Lens

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