The excited tiny chirps that Bluebirds make when they have chosen a mate and are looking for a place to raise chicks is a delightful sound that clarifies Spring’s arrival. When I heard those happy sounds, I grabbed my camera to witness the process of site selection for the “new couple” (in the title photo).
They were perched on the power lines of a pole where the Red-headed Woodpeckers (I have documented for several years) usually nest. The unused hole is vacant for a few months each year while the Red-heads occupy sites in the lowlands (better hunting grounds during the winter).
The female popped up to the hole and took a look around while the male watched.
Her inspection was tentative and she soon returned to the male. After a brief chat, it was his time to explore the hole.
He flew up and looked in.
He entered and brought out some loose debris.
He repeated the task of removing “trash” as the female searched the area for suitable feeding areas.
I will keep you informed as to the couple’s progress. Typically, if the Red-headed Woodpeckers return early, they will run the Bluebirds away. I am hoping this time there will be an exception rather than the rule.
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The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream,visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on follow.
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What moments have you observed to indicate that Spring has arrived?
