Spring here in the Delta is always marked by the appearance of a couple of birds that show off some beautiful blue feathers. One is the Blue Winged Teal and the other is the Eastern Blue bird.
Blue wing teal setting for landing
Blue Winged Teal Passing
We always see a few BW Teal in the fall as they pass through but they really come to stay in the spring – and they come in big numbers. We had several hundred spend the spring with us last year and hope to host that many or more this year. The Mallards, Gadwalls, Ring Necks and Shovelers have moved on and left the Blue and Green Winged Teal to themselves. The Green Wings are here all winter with the other ducks and will leave soon. Then the Blue Wings will hang around until may with all of the migrating shore birds and – with any luck – the Whistling ducks will come again this year.
Below, one of the most beautiful birds in the Southeast hunts insects from a perch about 12 feet off the ground. The Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters and find plenty of nest holes in the trees scattered around our property. We have around a couple of dozen that make their home here with us and it is always a joy to watch them go about their daily chores. Bluebirds are more approachable than many other species and that makes photographing them a bit easier.
- Bluebird male hunts insects from perch
Landing back at perch after a quick snack