Eating In
While scouting for flowers to photograph, I spotted this bluebird sitting at the entrance of an old birdhouse in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Mother Bluebird
Allow me to introduce you to “Mother Bluebird.” She was getting ready to feed her little peeps inside the weathered birdhouse, when she noticed a stranger about 40 feet away. She’s not very used to having visitors at the house. Most of the time, folks just keep on driving by in their big cars.
I could almost hear her thoughts as she eyed me intently. Her babies were hungry, but should she leave them unprotected while a stranger lurked nearby?
More than the other birds I’ve photographed in recent weeks — the redbird and the goldfinches — this bluebird appeared to be very unsettled by the nearness of a stranger. (For more on those previous encounters, read Just Curious and Farewell to the Finches.)
But then it occurred to me that maybe the bluebird’s jitteriness had more to do with the protective nature of a mother than with her particular species.
Taking a Chance
The ever-increasing cries of her hungry brood were more than Mother Bluebird could bear. “I’ll take a chance,” she thought. “I’ll fly away for food and return as quickly as possible.” In an instant, she was out of sight.
Nearby, sitting almost motionlessly with my camera aimed at the birdhouse, I waited for Mother Bluebird’s return.
To read more on the encounter with Mother Bluebird — and to see a few more photos — please continue to the NEXT SECTION.
The Return
Suddenly, after what seemed like a long wait, Mother Bluebird returned, landing on top of the birdhouse with a worm firmly grasped in her beak. She almost seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when she saw that I had not moved at all toward her precious little ones.
Still watching me, Mother Bluebird moved to the edge of the birdhouse.
Now, on the verge of entering the birdhouse, she still had her eye on me.
One last surreptitious look was given before entering the birdhouse.
After distributing the "first course," Mother Bluebird once more made sure this camera-totin' stranger remained at a safe distance!
Recommend a Good Bird Spot in Lewisville?
I’m beginning to enjoy photographing birds so much that I wanted to ask if you know of any particularly good spot(s) in the Township of Lewisville (not necessarily limited to the incorporated area) where birds tend to gather. It could be a public spot, or perhaps even a backyard.
Please leave a comment below if you have a recommendation. I’m eager to observe and to record more of these wondrous winged creatures!
Greetings to all:
I’ve looked over the pictures of all of those most beautiful birds…each is truly gorgeous.
I live in Rentz, GA which is a very small town. I also like to sit out on the porch and watch the many birds that come by every so often and whistle a little tune for me.
This is also something to look forward to during the day, as I’m a writer. This also is one of my most favorite ways of spending a little of my time when taking a break from the day’s routine. It’s very resting and relaxing to just listen to them and watch them, as sometimes, they seem to be putting on a show for me. Of course, I know that others wouldn’t see it in this way…but I do, so I get many laughs just using my imagination pretending they’re putting on a show, just for me. I’m eighty-one and soon to be eighty-two, so all entertainment, even from the birds, helps along life’s way.
Warm Regards,
William Dunigan
Greetings to you, Mr. Dunigan —
Thank you for writing and sharing your own affinity for our feathered friends. They are truly remarkable little creatures. The more attention I pay to them, the more I am enriched.
I wish you well in your writing and especially with your latest book.
Thanks for taking a few moments to write.