These nesting Eastern Bluebirds seem to be doing well despite the extreme Arkansas heat. Both parents remain busy bringing food to their young. This male arrived with a large green caterpillar.
A Caterpillar for Bluebird Chicks
The male paused on a perch with the caterpillar held firmly in his beak. Its bright green color made the delivery easy to see. The caterpillar looked like a substantial meal for a growing bluebird.
This visit followed the same pattern I have watched throughout this nesting cycle. An adult arrives with food, pauses briefly, and then continues toward the birdhouse.
In my earlier post, Male Eastern Bluebird Brings a Spider to His Chicks, I shared another food delivery from this nesting round. That time, the male carried a spider. The caterpillar gave me another look at the variety of food the adults bring.
Photographing a Quick Food Delivery
These feeding trips can pass in only a few moments. I had a short window after the male landed with the caterpillar.
The simple perch and smooth green background helped keep attention on the bird. His blue and orange feathers stood out clearly. The green caterpillar added the detail that made this photograph part of the nesting story.
I left room around the bluebird while keeping the caterpillar easy to see. That balance showed the full bird, the perch, and the food in one clean frame.
Both Parents Keep Working in the Heat
Arkansas has been extremely hot, but both parents have stayed active. I continue to see them bringing food to their young. From what I can observe, the nesting pair seems to be doing well.
Nine days have passed since I shared my last post about this nesting pair. The chicks should be much larger now. I still have no idea how many are in the nest.
I do not look inside the birdhouse because I do not want to upset the parents or disturb the young. I would rather give them space and watch their activity from outside.
Before long, I should begin seeing the young bluebirds peeking out of the birdhouse. That will give me my first look at how this nesting round is progressing.
Their steady work has been encouraging to watch. For now, the large green caterpillar is another good sign that both adults remain focused on feeding their family.