When I visit Red Rock Lakes NWR in Montana’s Centennial Valley I can’t resist photographing Mountain Bluebirds at their nest boxes. So four days ago I made the long drive on rough roads from my campsite to the far east end of the valley with bluebird photos as my primary goal.
This particular bluebird pair still has me a little confused. They took turns flying in to land on top of the post supporting their nest box and then from there entering the box but they were never carrying nesting material, or food for youngsters, and they never emerged from the box with fecal sacs. And they stayed in the nest box only briefly. So I don’t know why both of them were making repeated trips to their presumed nest inside the box. But that’s a mystery for another day.
The bird that was already on top of the pole supporting the box always spotted its mate flying in and left the pole or box before its mate landed in the same place.
Except for one time.
1/5300, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This time the male obviously knew his mate was coming in (even I had spotted her approaching) but he didn’t leave the post before she arrived. So she landed there anyway, which forced him into flight, effectively displacing him from his perch. And I happened to catch the action. I clipped his wings and he’s soft, but she’s sharp and in this case I think she’s the most important of the two to get sharp.
I like the action, the behavior and the photo.
Ron
This shot reminds me of hubby and me — one of us is exactly where the other is trying to go. Having a galley kitchen and a long, narrow hallway doesn’t help either. 😂 Hoping the situation is like Dan describes and they’re scoping out 2nd-nest sites.
I hope so too, Marty. It was pretty cold (mid 20’s) two nights in a row before I took this shot but I imagine any chicks in the box, being cared for by an adult, would be just fine at those temps. At least I hope so.
Oh! This is the Warblingtons. They had an “issue” last nesting season so they had to take some remedial parenting courses in order to qualify for the next season. They still have some minor anger issues that they are trying to work out, but their nest box behaviours have been exemplary. We are all pulling for them.
🙂
Coming to this very late today. We had to pick up a visitor from out of town so I am only now getting to my email.
This sounds like it might be the beginnings of starting a second nest. This is similar to the behavior we saw in our yard with Western Bluebirds. They spent a few days going in and out of the box with no nesting material until they finally decided to start a nest. In this case, it’s late enough to be the start of a second nest. If so, they won’t reuse the last nest and construct a new nest on top of the old nest. They could be in the process of deciding to stay or go elsewhere. If the decision is to rebuild they should begin doing so shortly but there may be a few days of in and out before the start of new construction. Always fun to watch.
Dan, I hope that’s the explanation and not something more dire. Thanks for mentioning the possibility.
I am also confused. Again. Still. I hope it doesn’t reflect a tragedy with their brood, but fear it does.
I’m afraid you (and Carol V.) might be right.
I looked for and thought I would see bluebirds in Idaho, it is their state bird. I did not see a one! I would like to go back to some similar areas in Idaho or Montana and camp, if I can convince Jon to sleep in a tent. He is not very comfortable as he has gotten older.
April, there were quite a few Mountain Bluebirds nesting at the NWR (along with even more Tree Swallows of course) but I never saw a single bluebird in the rest of the valley. The refuge is where most of the nest boxes are.
I’ve seen this behavior watching Eastern Bluebirds around their nest box. It usually indicated something bad happened within the box- hatchlings have died or some other species is inside the box. Or possibly the hatchlings were snatched when the adults were gone and they’ve come back to an empty box. Regardless, beautiful photo and picture! Hopefully this ends well and they are just discussing wall colors and flooring issues!
Yes, “hopefully”.
Curiously following! Hoping someone has the answer.
Baby sparrows just hatched in the birdhouse hanging from our garage eave. This morning a flock of 15 sparrows – one male, 14 female – were hanging out on the roof above the birdhouse. I’m puzzling over that one! Bird behavior is fascinating, isn’t it.
It sure is!
Very curious. Mating game? Strange to see so much energy expended on seemingly nothing.
Do love Mountain Bluebirds. Have to travel some in order to see them. Carrizo Plains is a good place.
Michael, I expect their behavior had some purpose. I’m just not smart enough to figure it out.
Interesting – wonder if “something” took over the box or these 2 are just “confused”? Nature never as predictable as one would think! 😉
Maybe they were just deliberately trying to confuse me… 🙂
This flight dance against the green backdrop is colorful and lucky to have captured it. Another note on the confusing nest box behavior, is it that she is testing out whether she approves of the housing choices that he has offered her?
Thanks, Deb. This late in the nesting season I doubt it, but who knows…