Bluebirds

I've had such fun watching the bluebirds this year. I belong to Texas Master Naturalists and one of our members made bluebird houses for all of us in his chapter. Well, as soon as mine was ready, the bluebirds appeared. Here is a photograph of mama and papa bluebirds scoping out the house.

They soon built their nest.

 

Things really picked up then. It seems that both mama and papa sit on the eggs. Other birds visited and I guess took their turn. Some days it looked as if they were having a party. Lots of activity. The only wrinkle in this was my cat Lucky. He seemed to think it was his duty to sit under the house and watch in case one fell out. :)

Before long the eggs had hatched and the work really began for the proud parents (and their friends). There was contstant activity at the house. Both mama and papa and friends were kept busy feeding those babies.
I was able to get a photograph  of papa feeding and mama waiting (or maybe supervising).

It was so much fun watching these busy little birds. I ran Lucky off many times, and before long, the bluebirds tolerated my presence very near the house. They seemed to know that I was helping them. A few days ago, they began dive bombing poor Lucky. He didn't know what to do! The babies were peeping out. I didn't know why all of a sudden they had gotten so aggressive, but later realized that they were getting ready to have the fledglings fly. Unfortunately, I missed the big event! I look forward to having a new family next year! In fact, I believe I'll put up more houses and make a bluebird trail on my property. I'll be sure to place the house high enough and with a large enough baffle that Lucky can't get to them. He thinks he's doing his job-life in the country is tough, but he can't have my bluebirds!