A young Mountain Bluebird chick in Montana – Nikon D810, f9, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This young Mountain Bluebird chick was photographed last summer at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Montana. I’m not sure where these bluebirds nested at the campground at the Lower Lake but I know it had to be nearby because the two chicks I observed were just starting the process of learning to fly and could barely make it up to the fence rails. The adults were nearby and bringing food to the chicks but they appeared to be using the prey as an incentive to fly up to the top rail of the fence during most of the time that I observed and photographed them.
I’m starting to miss the Centennial Valley and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. I love winter but these gray days lately seem to be causing my longing for spring’s arrival to intensify.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountain Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.
So sweet with delicate markings-at first I thought it was “now” and thought “now THAT’S interesting timing.I know I should enjoy the moment but do look forward to spring birds.
Did you notice the bluebirds using a cliff swallow nest on the right of the first bathroom? I needed sunset light to get a well lit picture, but I did get a parent entering with food. Bluebirds are quite elastic in finding nests.
Love those soft colours. So much.
Beautiful image as always Mia. I too am missing the warmer days and yet know we need to endure these gloomy days of January. The water is so needed. I feed the Blue Jays and Magpies peanuts in the winter and yesterday the Starlings gathered in our neighbor’s tall elms, hundreds of them, murmating (is that a word?) 🙂 and bathing and drinking from our pond. I love them all. Montana misses you I am certain Mia. Thankful we all have your images. Stay well.
Also like how the gray horizontal patterns of the wood compliment the colors of the bird…a besutiful image and effect….
Interesting image…no blue in sight but easily recognizable as a Bluebird…although I love the color of those little flying fragments of blue sky, this baby is quite beautiful, too, in its soft, silver gray and white spotted breast….nice!.
Beautiful photo Mia. The Bluebird is a favorite. Also long for spring. We are missing the birds and critters in the back yard. Hummers, Cardinals etc.