The female Eastern Bluebird here has been very busy the last three days, bringing in nesting materials by the beakful to place inside the nesting box.

Female Eastern Bluebird with nesting materials, Sebastian County, ArkansasFemale Eastern Bluebird with nesting materials – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

While I was outside for about seven minutes yesterday, I counted her trips with nesting materials. She flew in five times during that seven minute span. Each time I was outside, she made multiple trips to the nest box with pine straw and other materials.

The male Eastern Bluebird isn’t bringing in nesting materials, but he always seems to be nearby when the female arrives with a beakful of it. A few times, I have seen him go into the nest box to check it out.

But it is the female bluebird working her tail off to get the nest completed for when she lays her eggs.

Last year, the Eastern Bluebirds had three broods at this nest box location. That included the male rearing three young pre- and post-fledging after the female disappeared, most likely due to a hawk attack of some kind.

More about that here: Mama Eastern Bluebird Is No More

I have still been seeing Cooper’s Hawks in the neighborhood, and there isn’t much that can be done about them. Hopefully, the bluebirds will be able to nest, fledge, and rear their young broods safely this year.

Eastern Bluebirds were among my mother’s favorite birds, and when I photograph them, I can easily recall her tales of the bluebirds she had nesting right outside her apartment. They are sweet, treasured memories.

I know my mom would love all of the Eastern Bluebird photos I have been able to take since leaving Utah.

Each Eastern Bluebird image I share? Reminds me of her.

Life is good.

Mia

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