Bluebird Surveys the Area

Last December I met this Eastern Bluebird perched in a local high point in a meadow, giving him a pretty good view of the surrounding area. Many birds will sit in a treetop either to get a wide view or (during breeding season) to help their singing voice carry further. It does come with some risk though; if you can see a lot of the area, it usually means a lot of predators in the area can see you too. If a Cooper or Sharp-shinned Hawk makes the scene, he'll no doubt need to scurry for cover.

As is frequently the case, there were other bluebirds (both male and female) in the area. Having more eyes out there looking for danger is no doubt helpful to them.

December 5, 2022 at Duke Farms
Photo 251086118, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

My guess is that my camera and I were deemed too great a threat to stay perched, so he decided to vacate the area.

December 5, 2022 at Duke Farms
Photo 251086128, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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