Just a few days ago, on June 17th, I wrote a bittersweet update about the Eastern Bluebird chicks leaving the nest box in my yard (Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Empty: A Bittersweet Update). I wasn’t expecting them to return so soon to raise another brood, but yesterday morning, June 21st, I spotted a female Eastern Bluebird diligently bringing nesting material to the very same birdhouse!
This marks the third nest this year for these persistent little birds. What makes it even more interesting is that this industrious female is building her nest during the Strawberry Full Moon.
The Strawberry Moon, named by Native American tribes for its timing with ripening strawberries, falls in June each year. This year, however, it coincides with the summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere – making this a relatively rare alignment.
The moon appears larger and more colorful near the horizon due to a phenomenon called the “moon illusion.” Depending on your location, it might take on a yellow, orange, or even reddish hue. This happens because the moon travels on a lower arc during this time, causing more of Earth’s atmosphere to scatter the moonlight.
This full moon, positioned low in the sky due to the summer solstice, will be the lowest full moon in many years. It’s a fantastic opportunity for skywatchers and photographers to capture the moon’s unique appearance. Unfortunately, my attempt to photograph the moonrise was thwarted by clouds, but I managed to get a good shot of it early this morning but, not near the horizon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this determined pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their quest to raise a third brood!