On March 22, 2023, I stepped onto my deck and spotted a female Eastern Bluebird in a nearby tree. She held a mouthful of dried grass. I knew right away that female Bluebird nest building had started in my yard.
I went back inside for my camera. When I returned, the female had reached the birdhouse. The male perched on the opposite side and watched her work.
Female Bluebird Nest Building Begins
I watched from a distance as the female carried the dried grass inside. She soon flew away to gather more nesting material.
Eastern Bluebirds use several materials when building their nests. These may include grass, pine needles, and animal hair. They often nest in natural cavities and properly designed birdhouses.
The male remained nearby while she worked. His position on the birdhouse gave me a good view of both birds during this early nesting stage.
Photographing the Female From My Deck
I photographed the female from my deck in Lavaca, Arkansas. My camera and lens rested on a beanbag draped over the deck rail. That support helped keep the camera steady at 500mm.
I wanted to document more of her activity, but the birds needed space. After watching her work, I left the pair alone to continue the process.
Camera and settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Date: March 22, 2023
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Exposure mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/800 second
- ISO: 3200, Auto ISO
- Focal length: 500mm
From Nest Building to a Young Bluebird
This nest-building activity eventually led to young bluebirds inside the birdhouse. One of those chicks later appeared in my post, Baby Eastern Bluebird Peeking From a Birdhouse.
Knowing the outcome makes this photograph more meaningful to me. It records the beginning of a nesting story that I later watched unfold in my yard.