Backyard Bluebird Nest Box

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- Psalms 84:3 (ESV) Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Backyard birding Eastern Bluebird feeding young at nest box

I love my patio. I love having a free Saturday morning to enjoy it.

​While sitting for breakfast I caught a quick streak flyby out of the corner of my eye. “Myrtle” the hummingbird is back! I had put out the feeder anticipating their return, but it had gotten so late in the spring, and the other birds already so active for several weeks, I thought the hummers may not return. The next morning, while enjoying my Sunday cup of coffee, I again heard that familiar whirrrrrr of wings and saw the brilliant red of the male Ruby-throat. He checked out the feeder but immediately buzzed off after sensing my presence.

Backyard birding Eastern Bluebird feeding young at nest box

The Eastern Bluebirds have been quite active and occupy each box I put in the back last summer. One pair diligently brought grubs and bugs to their young, making repeated flights in close succession. They were so committed to providing for their young that I was able to slowly move in close between their grub runs to get some good photos.

Nearby squabbling around the feeders and pine tree were three Jays. One Jay sat squawking in the pine while another brought grubs up to it; another diligent mother caring for her child. She would then dart after a third Jay to run him off.

Next, a pair of bright yellow Goldfinches grabbed my attention at the feeder. I was also distracted by the loud rapping of a woodpecker hammering on the trim of the house across the street.

Quite an active avian morning! Even a burgundy dipped House Finch paused long enough and close enough for a good “Life List” photo.

Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

Backyard birding Eastern Bluebird catching grubs sitting on rustic fence in Athens Georgia

Backyard birding Eastern Bluebird feeding young at nest box