Two scruffy Eastern Bluebirds have been visiting my feeders this week. They look a little off when they arrive. I still love photographing them.
Two Scruffy Eastern Bluebirds Visiting My Feeders
Last October, I published a post on fall feather renewal. The two birds at my feeders now look a lot like the one in that post.
In my photos, the head is mostly gray with patches of blue. White, speckled feathers still cover the chest, mixed with rusty orange. The wings and tail already show the deep blue I expect from a bluebird.
The mix of fresh and worn-looking feathers gives them an unfinished look. They are molting, the same fall feather renewal I covered last year. Age and sex are hard to call from these frames, so I won’t guess.
Getting a Clean Portrait of a Messy Bird
I enjoy photographing these birds just as they look right now. A patchy bluebird shows what these birds go through this time of year.
Both frames keep the focus on the bird. A weathered branch with rough bark gives it a natural perch. Behind it, a smooth green background stays out of the way. Bright, even light falls on the feathers.
My favorite for the chest is the front view. The bird’s beak is open, and both feet grip the branch. That frame shows the speckled feathers better than the side view does.
Enjoying the In-Between Look
These birds are not at their best, and I like them anyway. A bluebird in transition tells a more honest story than a perfect one.
Other yard birds go through this too. I have photographed a young northern cardinal in molt and a tufted titmouse mid-molt in my yard.
Have you seen bluebirds with a patchy look at your feeders this fall? Tell me about it in the comments.
Fantastic photos and great education. I did not know that about birds. Thank you very much