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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Mountain Bluebirds of Madison County


I love the Mountain Bluebirds.  One of the first traditions I remember growing up in Teton  Valley was when the first Bluebird showed up, Mom would make us homemade donuts.  We called them Spudnuts, because they were made from water saved over from boiling potatoes.  It was the best springtime treat - almost as good as Christmas.

First the flocks of males would show up, staking out their territory.


The female join them about a week later and pick out a nesting place.  Boxes are great.



Then the courtship begins - the sly smiles and glances followed by "accidental" bumping and touching.  Finally full blown romance.

A few weeks later out in a near by tree are two offspring of the two sparkers.  It takes both parent full time to feed themselves and their "teen-agers."


Now being empty nesters, the Mom has time to primp and rearrange her feathers.  They split the nest and she was getting cleaned up for a date.


Mr. looked a little lost with her getting ready to go out - without him.  Happens all the time after a males luster fades.


Spring will come again next year and with it new romances and a new coat of brilliant blue duds.  Find a smile.

I know it is fiction, but it sure was fun.  They are still very beautiful and some of my favorites.

28 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

they're just gorgeous. love their beautiful soft blues. :)

Spudnuts. I bought a pack of them last winter at our local grocery store! There was a picture of a potato on the package - I didn't know for sure why, but now I know! They were heavy little guys!

Larry said...

I love the Blues Bill. Spring wouldn't be spring without Bluebirds!

You have some great photos here and the commentary is very entertaining.

The shot of the juvenile chicks, priceless!

Indrani said...

Lovely story, love these captures. Spudnut is new to me. :)

Amila Kanchana said...

I love them Bluebirds too!

BirdingMaine said...

Excellent post and images! Such a beautiful bird.

Fjällripan said...

What a beautiful bird, I never seen one...great photos.

Springman said...

You live in such a beautiful part of N. America. The thought of growing up in Teton valley and having cool little traditions like celebrating the arrival of Mountain bluebirds with Spudnuts(?!) is wonderful. I had a lot of friends who left Detroit and setteled in the Yellowstone area. It is easy to see why when you visit there.
Your pictures are excellent and really illustrate your story beautifully. Cheers!

Modesto Viegas said...

good work and great photos!

joo said...

Superb set of photos!

holdingmoments said...

Great post Bill. Such a beautiful colour too.

Empty Nester said...

Sweet post with excellent captures!

Carol Blackburn said...

Wonderful bluebird shots, Bill.

Fotokarusellen said...

A beautiful set of images. Wonderful!

theconstantwalker said...

A beautiful series of your lovely birds.
Many thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Beautiful Birds aren't they. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Malgorzata Ingstad said...

How beautiful! Frankly speaking - I have never seen blue bird. For me - wonderful!

mick said...

Great story-line - and photos!

Kim, USA said...

Ohh that is so cute!! Thanks for sharing!

The Barn

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful bluebirds, they are one of my favorite birds. The juvies are so cute, great photos Bill!

Carletta said...

Your bluebirds look a little different from ours but the babies look similar.
I for one loved the fiction and you never know what the birds are thinking. It could be a quite plausable story. :)
Lovely shots Bill! The baby shot being my favorite.

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

I'm so gullible...I totally believed your story. Actually, it COULD be true, couldn't it? These photos are amazing.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful pictures; loved the story, it WAS fun!! It is almost impossible not to give the birds human traits -- we all do it and I think we all know it is in fun!

You are so lucky to have bluebirds!!!

Sharon M said...

Wow, beautiful birds and photos!

Dawn Fine said...

Tales of the Bluebirds :)

Victoria said...

WOW... marvelous images of the bluebirds... and a fanciful story to go along with them. I'm glad I decided to visit more than just today's post when I stopped by. (on to the swans next) :-)

Inger-M said...

They are so beautiful! Great post and photos!

Kathie Brown said...

I love them too! I recently saw some in AZ where I used to live. I have also seen them in WY and UT. I never tire of seeing these brilliant birds! Cute story!

Marya said...

I live in Teton Valley now and my sisters and I make donuts every Spring when we see the first bluebird! A tradition handed down from our mother. I didn't know anyone else did that. I wish I knew the history behind it.