A Case of the Blues in the Ill

The hysteria continues to thrive around us.  Shelves laid bare in the paper aisle, shopping carts full of anything that has the word antibacterial on it and to top it off we have people that aren’t even accountable for the outcome pontificating on TV about how they would solve the crisis – comical in the instances where they were in charge and didn’t do jack.  Regardless, since my last post they have closed down all our state parks, banned eating in restaurants and shuttered bars.  Wait, this just in, CDC is discouraging any gathering over 50 people.  So, now not only are my official races canceled I can’t even continue with my training runs in the safety of Jubilee State Park.  Hell, I can’t even bird in my favorite park which means I have no way to keep the internal crazies at bay.

Eastern Bluebird found at Jubilee State Park June 2017

Hit the jump to see a few more shots of the Blues.

Ahhhhhh, now I feel better.  Nothing like a cute picture of an Eastern Bluebird.  I can already feel the calming effects…. ugh, one second, let me turn off the TV, it keeps interjecting on my serenity.  There, all is better now.  Active Easterns, along with the Robins are our cues that spring is just around the corner.  I saw my first pair of the year last Saturday morning thanks to a rumble going on in my backyard.  Decided to check into the chatter to find the Eastern male duking it out with a 4 Sparrows for our unclaimed birdhouse.  Clearly wanted the Bluebird to win out, but I was too groggy to tip the battle in its favor and opted to hit the shower – will take care of that later.

Eastern Bluebird found at Jubilee State Park June 2017

Before you get the wrong impression, this series was not from the morning’s encounter.  Actually they were captures around the same time as the previous post – June 2017 and also at the now closed Jubilee State Park. I was hanging out in a rather isolated part of the park’s campground.  It is rare to call a sure thing when it comes to birds, but if you need an Eastern Bluebird and you have access to this park – it is pretty much a sure thing these days.  In fact, I’ve been watching an Eastern Bluebird pair there for several years now.  Not positive they are the same pair each year, but there’s always at least one pair laying claim to the multiple bird condos available there.

Eastern Bluebird found at Jubilee State Park June 2017

In fact, I’ve already made posts about a few of those encounters – there’s 2015 (link here) and 2016 (link here).  Give me a couple of years and I’ll fill in the gaps between 2017 and now (hehehe).  A local bird enthusiast has been dedicated to increasing the population of the Bluebirds in our area.  He has been building, placing and tracking the progress in a number of our parks.  My apologies, but I was unable to locate his actual name.  If I find it I’ll update the post – always for giving credit where it is due – especially for such a noble effort.  I do not have factual data to back this up, but anecdotally there does seem to be an increase in Bluebird activity – in fact, last week was the first pair I’ve had on the lot – been kicking myself ever since for not taking action when I saw them – I need to get more sleep.

Eastern Bluebird found at Jubilee State Park June 2017

Would love to have a resident Bluebird family if for no other reason than the reign of terror they hold over the creepy crawlies.  If it crawls, flutters or hops it will end up being a munchie for these skilled hunters.  The crawly here was doing its best to resist… futile, but you have to like its spunk.

There was a huge surprise while I was preparing for this post.  Checking over the shots, noticed this specimen in the bunch.   This one had me stumped at first.

Eastern Bluebird found at Jubilee State Park June 2017

Spotted breast, blue highlights on the wings, grey tones with what looks to be a white speckled back.  To the reference library – not a lot of luck checking on the more common options.  Next up the “Big I”.  A few quick queries and the hunch was proven.  A juvenile Eastern Bluebird!  A new experience for me… and apparently Ron as he was originally stumped at the ID as well.  All these years of observing and never witnessed the reason for the insect slaughter. Obviously cute birds have cute offspring.

Need to call it a post there as my injured calves need a rolling.  Hope you enjoyed today’s touch of blue.

Stay sane everyone!

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