Its always so much fun watching the western bluebirds raise a family in one of my custom made bluebird houses.
Bluebirds have always been high on my list of favorites and long before I moved to MT I had bluebird houses all over our 89 acre farm. I kept careful watch over all of them and monitored every part of their life stage from nest to eggs to babies to the time they flew out of their nest. I would have to check my records again, but I am estimating that close to 600 bluebirds fledged from my nest boxes over the years.
Fast forward to when I moved to MT, I thought my bluebirding days were over. I missed it immensely but decided that I’d have to let go of those things and pursue personal, in depth healing from past trauma in my life.
In winter of 2020, I dug out all my past records and bluebird house plans, and I felt like this was something that God wanted to restore to me. Jabel helped me find the right tools and lumber and I built 6 bluebird houses. I was thrilled beyond words.
For two years now I eagerly watch for the return of the western bluebirds in the spring. Their cheerful warbling song is one of the most lovely sounds of spring.
We also have mountain bluebirds here. They are so beautiful and I have now made it my goal to also get one of those on camera. They are a bit more elusive than the western, and tend to stay more hidden in tall trees and wooded areas.
Bluebirds have long been a sign of joy and happiness. There is no doubt that that is what they bring.
I waited until the sun was setting last night and the air had cooled off a bit before taking these pictures. I sat in the tall grass just opposite from the bluebird house and watched them coming and going, as they fed their babies. They always came back with fat bugs pinched in their beaks. It was the most peaceful, beautiful evening and I was just reminded again of how good God is!
You might see many pictures of bluebirds that I post here because I watch them a lot. I consider it a gift that this aspect of my life has been restored to me.
Bluebirds were a special part of my teen years. I built bluebird houses and maintained a bluebird trail. I kept meticulous logs about the progress of each nest, then the baby birds, etc. The log was lost in a car accident when I left home. No bird thrills my heart like a bluebird, and it's been that way for over 40 years. Thanks for writing this article.
Same here Richard!! My brother and I had a bluebird trail as well. Kept the records, changed the nests. Many fond memories of bluebirds.
Thanks for the feedback. I love hearing from people who read my articles! And yes, bluebirds are, and always will be, one of my favorite birds.