Eastern Bluebird prey can be easy to miss when the bird moves fast. This one returned to the nest with a spider and a wasp in its bill.
I photographed this feeding trip in my Arkansas yard on May 1, 2020. The bluebird was bringing food to nestlings, which kept the adults busy.
Eastern Bluebird Prey at the Nest Box
This Eastern Bluebird came in with two small prey items at once. I could see a spider and a wasp held together in its bill.
That small detail made the photo stand out to me. It showed how often these feeding trips can vary from one visit to the next.
I had recently photographed the same kind of nest activity with other prey. One visit included an earthworm, shown in my post about an Eastern Bluebird With Earthworm. Another showed an Eastern Bluebird With Spider.
A Spider and Wasp for Hungry Nestlings
Watching bluebirds feed nestlings gives me a close look at how much work goes into raising young birds. The adults make repeated trips, each time bringing whatever prey they have found.
This bird’s bill carried more than one item, which added interest to the frame. The spider and wasp also helped tell the story of the season.
I did not need to add anything dramatic to the scene. The behavior was enough. A bluebird returning with food says plenty about spring, nesting, and the steady pace of parent birds.
Photographing This Bluebird From My Pickup
I photographed this bluebird from my pickup. My camera and lens rested on a bean bag draped over the open window.
That setup gave me a steady platform and let me stay back from the nest area. I have more details about that approach in My Eastern Bluebird Photography Setup.
Camera settings:
- Location: Arkansas
- Date Taken: May 1, 2020
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec.
- ISO: 1000
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3
- Focal Length: 500 mm
- Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
This photo is one of those small yard moments I enjoy most. The bird was close to home, the behavior was clear, and the prey told the story.