Florida Bird Magazine :: The Bluebird of Happiness

The Bluebird of Happiness

In April of 2009 I had the opportunity to photograph my first Eastern Bluebird. This was an exciting moment for me as the Eastern Bluebird had reached a critical status of decline since the mid 1900’s. This decline was due to habitat destruction, pesticide use and nest predation by non-native birds introduced into their environment.

My mother lives in the small town of Fort White, Florida. She has a large piece of land surrounded by acres of pine forest. An abundance of wildlife inhabits this lovely spot. Over past decade she’s managed to create somewhat of a bird sanctuary around her home. She provides many types of flowers and shrubs that attract insects and butterfly’s which in turn invite the birds to stay – sometimes even through the winter.

Last year I noticed a pair of Eastern Bluebirds nesting in an old birdhouse hung on a wire. It was in a state of disrepair and the bottom was falling out. It would soon be unsafe for raising any more young. Several months later I received a call from mom that the nest had fallen.

On the next visit with my mother I noticed some birdhouses in her greenhouse that would work very well for the Bluebirds. We got to work and soon had them placed, with one in the same spot as before. We had hope that the pair would come back and like their new home as well as the last.

This weekend to my delight the pair was back and building a nest in the new abode.

Click the Image for a larger view!
All photographs are copyright by Deborah Kunzie - Wildlife Photographer