Picture Of The Week 04-02-07

Eastern Bluebird (male)
(Sialia sialis)

Eastern Bluebird (Female) carrying food.

Where: Glen Allen, VA • Shady Willow Ct. Notes: I am told that Bluebirds begin their selection process for a nesting site well before spring arrives, so I put up several houses designed specifically for this species back in late January at my new residence in the suburbs. It wasn't long before I noticed the both male and female birds inspecting the boxes I had purchased at the hardware store and installed. The male, pictured above, is usually perched nearby and frequently lands at the hole and looks inside several times a day. A nest has already been constructed of fine grasses and hopefully they will lay around five very light blue eggs. The female actually builds the entire nest in this species. Both adults will help feed the chicks after they are hatched. Bluebird numbers had declined in the 1960's and 70's but nest box campaign popularity is attributed to their comeback. This decline was due to competition for nesting hole sites with other species, many of which were introduced by humans to North America from other continents.

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • Manfroto Tripod • 3' shutter release cable • Two 33' Extension Cables

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/100 second • Aperture = f 10.0 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Lens (Focal) Length = 370 mm • ISO = 100 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~12 Feet • Date Shot: 03-26-06

©2007 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.

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Eastern Bluebird (No. 4905) - Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: EABL(_MG_4905)8X10 . . . $39.95

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