The evening light the other day was just right to capture this Western Bluebird hunting for insects close to the house, and to highlight its beautiful blue coloring.
CRAZY BLUE - Western Bluebird
Became convinced there was another bluebird nest close to the house, with a pair of bluebirds showing up recently near the backyard fence posts, perched high in their search for food. Plus, had noticed some commotion a couple of different times recently in a fairly nearby apple tree, involving the bluebirds whenever a scrub jay went near the tree.
Walking over to check out this tree, I see from a distance some bird activity, and getting closer, discover the tree is full of young first year pine siskins, feeding on bugs and petals probably.
Walking over to check out this tree, I see from a distance some bird activity, and getting closer, discover the tree is full of young first year pine siskins, feeding on bugs and petals probably.
A group of nine or ten young pine siskins at top of apple tree near the house.
YOUNG PINE SISKIN
Young pine siskin, top of apple tree
I did notice a bluebird adult carrying a bug near the tree I had been intending to stake out, until I saw the pine siskins.
Male western bluebird shooting over to nest hole Went back out to investigate the next evening, and yes! there is another bluebird nest in one of the old apple trees remaining behind the house!
Male western bluebird taking waste pellet out of the nest
After male left, female flew over and quickly entered the nest.
I'll be keeping an eye out on this nest, now, so probably more photos later.
Anna's hummingbird The hummers around the house have been flying around like mad, only can get the rare close photo now and again.
Here's the Anna's hummer perched near front porch feeder, which it guards.