Bath Time For The Kids

by Bill
(Brazoria, TX)

Bath Time For Bluebirds

For years I tried to attract purple martins. I've had four different styles of martin houses which, over the years, were relocated to different locations on my property.

Martins came, checked out the housing, even went inside and poked their heads out to have a look-around.

But none took up residence. Guess they wanted A/C and Satellite.

Bluebirds aren't so picky. I gave up on martins about ten years ago and Eastern Bluebirds made good use of the tall, vacant houses.

I once had three bluebird boxes mounted on fence posts, but snakes and fireants made rearing young impossible.

Recently I relocated the backyard birdbath for photographic convenience. During those often long waits for a photo-op, I like sitting in the shade on the back porch.

The day after the relocation, I took my position behind the tripod and prepared for a long sit.

Just minutes later, a bunch of small birds came to the birdbath. My first thought was, 'I've never seen birds like these before' and I couldn't identify them.

Then poppa bluebird showed up to supervise the kids' bath, and I knew.

Can you imagine how hard the parents worked catching enough insects to feed these five young ones?