Nikon D5300 | Tamron 150-600mm | @450mm | 1/200 | f/15 | ISO500
Bluebirds have long been one of my favorite birds. However, I have very rarely seen them, and it has almost always been from a distance too far away to get a good picture. Earlier this week I went hiking along one of my favorite sections of the Hennepin Canal. Last year the DNR put up some bluebird nesting boxes, so when I saw them I wondered if they housed any of the little blue beauties that I love so much. There didn’t seem to be much action in the first four boxes, but when I saw the fifth it looked as if there might be something nesting in it. Then I saw them, a pair of bluebirds observing from a distance. I watched as they got up the nerve to come closer to the nesting box, and sure enough, the female entered the box. So, I made a plan to come back another day to see if I could get some decent photos.
Today I took my tripod and headed out to the nesting box area. I wasn’t disappointed! Watching from a distance, ready to get some pictures, I got to observe this pair taking care of their young. The female seemed to be the braver of the two; always the first to move closer. However, the male always escorted her to the nesting box and waited close by when she was in the box.
I could have watched them all day, but I knew that I was making them nervous. So, I packed up my gear; happy to have gotten a chance to get a much closer view of these beautiful creatures:)
In My Eyes 
Those are some glorious-looking birds. No wonder people consider them a harbinger of good tidings. That Tamron is still doing well by you, I see. At least I think that’s what you were using, since the meta data isn’t posted. Whatever you used, these are beautiful photos. Now that you’ve found their “lair,” maybe we’ll be seeing more of them. Here’s hoping.
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Thank you Charles. Yes, I used my Tamron and it worked well for this situation. I definitely will be keeping an eye on this area:)
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Yay! You got them! Glad your “hunt” worked out for you. They are beautiful. Looks like we have both had a couple of good days for photos. Can’t wait to see some of your insects. I’m still working on identifying.
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It was such a beautiful morning to be out! At first I thought that the bluebirds had left because they were nowhere to be seen. However, after about ten minutes they showed up. Yes, we have had some good days for photos. I too am working on my insects and will get them up soon. I look forward to seeing the insects that you captured; hope to see them soon!
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Beautiful photos! I love seeing them on the wires up the road where there is a large, open field with lots of nest boxes. Occasionally they visit our yard, esp. in winter to eat the ilex berries. I love the male’s call, similar to a robin’s but prettier.
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I don’t know what it is about these birds, Eliza, but I could sit and watch them all day! You are so lucky to have them visit your yard; I have to go searching in order to get my bluebird fix:)
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Bluebirds of happiness! 🙂
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