interloper

[teamster633]

The first time I ever saw a bluebird in our backyard I went out and bought a bird house for it. I never saw it again that year and the house was taken over by sparrows. The next year I bought a slate restricter to keep the sparrows out, but saw no bluebirds either. Early on this year the bluebird was back once or twice, but I haven't seen it for at least six or seven weeks. An industrious pair of chickadees did decide to take up residence, though. Not our first choice, but it was nice to see some birds finally using the house. They've been working tirelessly on their nest for at least three weeks. Now the bluebird is back and he is showing a lot of interest in the chickadee's current home. He sure is handsome, but I can't help but root for the little guys. I put up a second house this afternoon. Hopefully, the bluebird will do the right thing and use the new house...

[JeffR]

1. Maestro would approve, is my guess.

Nice work!

[hippywife]

7. Where is Maestro, BTW?

I was just wondering that the other day. :shrug:

[HarveyDarkey]

2. Great shots, I really like the first one

Do you have a blind on your back porch?

[teamster633]

4. No blind, but the yard is pretty sheltered.

So far all the shots I have been taking have been through the bay windows or the sliding door. I've had pretty good results except for the pane that looks out on the bird house itself. I have to find a way to cut the glare that I'm picking up there. I thought a polarizing filter would work, but I didn't notice any difference when I tried that option except for the f-stop that I lost. Post-processing helps, but I can't figure out why that one particular window is giving me problems.

[Mira]

3. What a gift to find this. Just warms my heart.

You're good, what a good photo shoot. They're all great but one is just the greatest.
(and congrats on how well you are doing in the contest. I expected it. Well deserved)

[CC]

5. Hope the bluebird uses the

other house and just wait until the chickadee starts yelling at you when you get too close. They can be loud for such a little bird. Had one build a nest right next to the stairs to the front door last summer. He chided us every time we went in or out.

These are all good but that first one with his mouth full is my fav.

[NV Whino]

6. Those are wonderful shots

Thanks for posting. My favorite is the first one too.