It is post nesting season, and the male Eastern Bluebird is looking a little messy from all the activity. He is still beautiful, but his feathers are worn.
Post nesting season male Eastern Bluebird – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/800, ISO 1250, +0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
By the time nesting season wraps up, a male Eastern Bluebird can look a little worse for wear. He has spent weeks on nonstop duty, defending his territory, chasing off rivals, courting his mate, delivering food to her while she incubates, and later helping feed those endlessly hungry chicks.
It is a full-time job with no days off, and all that constant flying, looking for food to feed his chicks, and squeezing in and out of the nest box takes a toll.
His once sleek feathers can end up frayed, dulled, and worn. It is the price he pays for being such a devoted dad, and by summer’s end, he has earned every ragged feather.
And not just for the last brood of chicks in the nesting season, but the whole season long.
The Eastern Bluebird pairs are still looking after and bringing food to the last broods of chicks to fledge this year, but that is now slowing down too.
Between now and October, the bluebirds here will go through their molt, trading those worn, tired feathers for fresh ones. Before long, they will be looking gorgeous again.
I think the Eastern Bluebirds look gorgeous now, even with their worn out feathers.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eastern Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.
I can empathize. All us guys end up looking pretty scruffy at the end of the day. Thankfully, he will see better times. Nice shot and interesting commentary. Thanks Mia.