Friday, September 19, 2008

Thematic Photographic 16 - Nature: Fledging Bluebird


In nature there are infinite colors and birds often carry the most brilliant. The blue bird is Missouri's state bird but I saw only a couple of them during the summer. So imagine my surprise last week when I saw several blue bird fledglings in the back yard. There were two males and two females and they were all splashing around in the bird bath at the same time. Frisky little kids! As I looked around the yard I also saw a female blue jay fledgling, a young male cardinal, a pair of goldfinches, and several wren fledglings. It seemed like an aviary nursery!

Of course I wanted photos, but in trying to sneak out onto the deck with the camera and a looonnng lens, they all flew away. I waited patiently and it paid off. A few of the little ones came back, in particular this little guy. The morning was a little cloudy, a bit chilly, but it didn't stop him from dipping into the bird bath again and I was able to catch him fluffing out his damp feathers. The thrill of catching action shots like this kept me out there for about 30 minutes, but the others didn't come back. It was a few more days before I saw some of the kiddos again, but not since. It's nearly time for them to migrate. When I saw these guys I guess they just weren't quite ready for the trip because they were pigging out on the bird feed!


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9 comments:

me said...

Barb - do you ever pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming and then realize that you are just that good a photographer? The 2nd shot is phenomenal.

Baba said...

Good morning Barb, I love this blue bird...especially since blue is my favorite color..I would love to have him for a pet in my house, but he needs to fly freely!!! Thanks for sharing, baba

Barbara said...

Me --- you are so nice! I do have to pinch myself, or someone else pinches me, to make myself realize that I am a photgrapher, and a pretty good one, too. Thank you so much for the encouragement.

Baba --- I love the color blue, too, so I am particularly drawn to blue birds. Theses babies are so special! Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful....and a photo that made my heart sing...Here is what seeing one means on your animal totem...
The bluebird is a member of the thrush family. The males are entirely blue, while the females are blue only in the wings. The color blue is associated with spiritual awakening. A color that calms the mind and soothes the heart. Since the color blue is symbolic it will represent different things to different people. A daily practice of prayer and meditation are beneficial to those with this medicine.
Bluebirds arrive from the south in the early spring. They live in open country and woodland settings nesting in holes in trees or fence posts. In native cultures the south is the direction of innocence and childlike activity. When a bluebird shows up it could be asking you to lighten up and let go of any dramas that are presently occupying your life. If it appears in your immediate surroundings this message is more pronounced.
Bluebirds hold the energy of gentleness. They are not aggressive and will avoid confrontation whenever possible. They are patient and observant birds and choose to spend their time enjoying life, however, if a bluebird is provoked it will stand its ground and defend itself. The bluebird teaches us how to move through life with a gentle strength and a patient persistence.
Living ones truth without inflicting it on another person can be a challenging affair. Mankind often feels a need to awaken others with their knowledge. This need can trigger personality disputes causing unnecessary frustration and conflict.
The bluebirds song is one of joy and playfulness. When if flies into your life it serves as a reminder to allow others to grow in their own way and time. Live your personal truth but remember to honor anothers truth. We are all equal in the eyes of the creator. The path a person walks is a personal choice that was created from the soul blueprint. We don't always understand anothers choice but it is imperative that we respect it. Equally so, we must respect ourselves.

Thank you as always for your wonderful words...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Barbara said...

Patti --- wow! there is more truth in your message than you know. Once again your wisdom comes at just the right time. Thank you.

carmilevy said...

You must have been blessed at birth have such an eye - and to be around when subjects like this present themselves.

If you ever stop shooting, you'll get a call from me.

Unknown said...

I'm glad you saw some babies too as I was thinking it was really odd to see the babies I did this past week. Love your shots. :)

Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

Those are so beautiful. What awesome shot! :D

Its Time to Live said...

...and the winner is... great bluebird images. I spent a couple of hours last Saturday tracking a big male mule deer. He was smarter than I was, leading me through thich brush, under fallen logs. His tracks show that he stood and watched me from behind trees and then ran off again (several times). I finally had to give up but I think I got into his head a bit, "who is this guy?" Never got a photo, never saw him. Followed large tracks the entire time. Guessed his gender by the size of the tracks, his actions and if it isnt to TMI, where his pee hit the ground in relation to how he was standing. Yep, TMI. Thanks Barb for the blog.