In my previous blog post, “Eastern Bluebirds: Fecal Sac Removal,” I shared my experience of capturing a photo of a male Eastern Bluebird removing a fecal sac from its nest. However, I failed to mention an interesting behavior that I observed among these birds.
As it turns out, Eastern Bluebirds will sometimes eat the fecal sac instead of flying off with it. This behavior may seem unusual to us, but it serves an important purpose in the birds’ reproductive cycle. By consuming the fecal sac, the adult bluebirds can prevent the buildup of waste material in the nest, which could attract predators and potentially harm their young.
Moreover, the fecal sacs contain important nutrients that the adult bluebirds can recycle back into their own bodies. This not only benefits the adults, but also helps to keep the nest environment clean and healthy for their offspring.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for both male and female Eastern Bluebirds to take turns removing and consuming the fecal sacs throughout the day. This coordinated effort helps to ensure the well-being of the entire family.
During my recent photography session, I was fortunate enough to capture a male Eastern Bluebird in the act of eating a fecal sac. This was the first time I had photographed this behavior.
In conclusion, Eastern Bluebirds are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors that can surprise and delight us as wildlife photographers. By understanding their ecology and behavior, we can better appreciate their place in the natural world and capture stunning images that tell their story.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: April 29, 2023 (11:00 A. M.)
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 500 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm