As I mentioned yesterday, I was eagerly anticipating the hatching of Eastern Bluebird chicks in my yard here in Arkansas. I decided to stay home to witness this special event, and sure enough, my patience paid off. Both parents were diligently bringing food to the birdhouse, confirming that the chicks had indeed hatched. This marks the third brood for my yard this season, which is truly exciting!
I managed to take a photo of the female Eastern Bluebird as she landed on a piece of driftwood near the birdhouse, carrying something small in her beak to feed her young. Photographing the female is always a challenge because she tends to fly directly into the birdhouse without perching, unlike the male. I did take a few shots of the male, but the background was too bright, and I wasn’t satisfied with the results.
Nest Building: The Determined American Robin
Yesterday, I wrote about a female American Robin busily gathering nesting materials, and today she was at it again. The female robin is primarily responsible for building the nest, though the male may assist by bringing some materials. However, I haven’t seen any help from a male in this case—she’s doing it all on her own.
It’s fascinating to note that it typically takes a female American Robin 2 to 6 days to complete her nest, depending on factors like weather and material availability. This industrious robin is on her second day, and it looks like she’s nearly done. I’ll try to get a good photo of the nest later, though it might be a bit tricky.
Morning Sounds and Unexpected Visitors
This morning, as I sat on my deck just before sunrise, I heard the distinct call of a Barred Owl from one of the pine trees in my yard. These owls are opportunistic hunters with a varied diet that includes small mammals such as mice, voles, squirrels, and even rabbits. Because of the owl’s presence, I wasn’t expecting to see rabbits until later in the morning. However, one brave rabbit did make an early appearance, and I managed to capture a photo of it washing its paw.
Busy Birds at the Feeder
In addition to the bluebirds and robins, my yard has been a flurry of activity with other bird species. An adult Red-bellied Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to the suet feeder. It often grabs a beak full of suet before flying off, likely to feed its young. I was fortunate to get a close-up shot of this woodpecker with a beak full of suet.
A Brief Encounter with an Immature Common Grackle
Finally, an immature Common Grackle flew into a nearby pine tree, albeit briefly. These birds are known for their striking iridescent plumage and bold presence, but this one, being immature, was more brown. I managed to capture a quick photo before it took off again.
Reflections on a Rewarding Day
Watching and photographing these moments in my backyard reminds me of the intricate and fascinating lives of these birds and animals. From the tireless efforts of the American Robin building her nest to the parental care shown by the Eastern Bluebirds, each day offers new insights and surprises. Stay tuned for more updates and photos as I continue to document the wildlife right here at home.