Male Mountain Bluebird in Summit County – Nikon D500, f8, 1/400, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Seeing Mountain Bluebirds always brings a smile to my lips so when I saw a family of them yesterday in Summit County I couldn’t help but smile at their awesome blueness. The bluebird family was foraging along a dirt road and they moved from small trees to aspens to the tops of sagebrush. The birds were a bit difficult to keep up with and I wanted to photograph them while they were on open perches and after several missed attempts I was able to photograph this male in all of his bright blue glory on top of a wild fruit tree. Maybe it is a crab apple, I am not sure.
Male Mountain Bluebird feeding a cricket to a juvenile – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Later I photographed a juvenile Mountain Bluebird even though I didn’t much care for the messy setting of twigs criss-crossing through the frame when an adult male flew in with a cricket to feed his young. The young Mountain Bluebird turned and snatched the cricket from the male quickly before any of its siblings could reach the branches. The light angle wasn’t the best for this photo but I liked the interaction between the two bluebirds and the behavior shown in the frame. Male Mountain Bluebirds are great providers for their young.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountains Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very nice fat looking baby! I admire the hard work avian parents put into raising offspring.
Messy works for me too! I think the twigs add some woody grit to an already terrific pic. The portrait of the male bluebird is also wonderful. Thanks.
Beautiful pictures, their color brings a smile to my face every time I see the Eastern Bluebirds too!
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL! Love them both!!!! Wonderful!!!
Beautiful captures of some of my favorite birds, Mia!
Love that open mouth. That demanding (and receiving) open mouth.
Love the “messy setting” too!
Fantastic shots..beautiful bird…I love Bluebirds!!
Fantastic pic! Bluebirds are my favorite!
Timing and skill ( yours and the bird’s). An unbeatable combination.Sigh.