Mountain Bluebird Male

Male Mountain Bluebird, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

How blue can blue be? I think Mountain Bluebird males are a wonderful example of just how blue a bird can be.

I photographed the Mountain Bluebird male while camping last year at one of my favorite locations, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. All along the rough dirt roads in the refuge Mountain Bluebirds can be seen flitting about, perching on old fence posts and fighting with Tree Swallows for nest boxes. Because the bluebirds are not used to many people being around they are very skittish and I always feel great about getting close enough to get acceptable images.

Mountain Bluebirds have begun their migration north, it won’t be long before they will be in the Centennial Valley again.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Mountain Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.

20 Comments

Julie Brown March 25, 2012 at 8:23 am

The mountain bluebird is one of my favorite western birds. They are so beautiful. I got my first photo of one in Rocky Mountain NP.
- Mia McPherson March 26, 2012 at 6:12 am
  
  I photographed my first Mountain Bluebird at Rocky Mountain NP too Julie.
Karen Bonsell March 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm

Mia, that is a gorgeous shot!
- Mia McPherson March 23, 2012 at 6:03 am
  
  Thank you very much Karen!
Bob Zeller March 22, 2012 at 3:57 pm

Oops!! I almost missed this post. I love the brilliant blue of the Mountain Bluebirds. Great photo, Mia.
- Mia McPherson March 23, 2012 at 6:01 am
  
  Thanks Bob, these Mountain Bluebirds sure are a brilliant blue!
Linda Rockwell March 22, 2012 at 8:04 am

Stunningly beautiful photo Mia!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:24 pm
  
  Linda, thanks very much for your wonderful comment on this Mountain Bluebird.
Susan March 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm

What a gorgeous capture, love it!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:22 pm
  
  Thank you Susan, Mountain Bluebirds are gorgeous.
Tammy Karr March 21, 2012 at 4:28 pm

That is a stunning photo! The color is amazing!!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:20 pm
  
  Thanks Tammy, they are an incredible blue. I didn’t add any saturation to this file either.
Prairie Birder March 21, 2012 at 10:44 am

Mountain bluebird males are on of the beautiful birds I have ever seen! I can’t wait for them to arrive and take up residence in one of our bird boxes. This is a great photo Mia!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:19 pm
  
  PrairieBirder, I hope that your Bluebirds return soon. They are gorgeous. Thanks for commenting!
Laurence Butler March 21, 2012 at 9:54 am

Simply stunning. He seems to carry the whole spectrum of blue with him.
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:18 pm
  
  Thanks Laurence, they do seem to have the whole spectrum of blue in them. I’m looking forward to more opportunities with them this year.
judy watson March 21, 2012 at 8:01 am

just beautiful!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2012 at 2:17 pm
  
  Thank you Judy!
Steve Creek March 21, 2012 at 5:48 am

Very nice Mia! The colors are great!
- Mia McPherson March 21, 2012 at 6:40 am
  
  Thanks Steve, they are a brilliant blue!

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