May 2014 – Champoeg State Park, Oregon
The Western Bluebirds in Champoeg State Park are likely some of the more well-known and well-photographed of their kind. All the birds I’ve seen there have leg bands, which means they were likely raised as chicks in this same location. There are nesting boxes set up all around the park, some not far from the walking paths. As a result, these normally skittish birds can be relatively tolerant of people.
Western Bluebird – Male
Western Bluebird populations have been declining in recent years due to a loss of habitat, and more to competition from more aggressive birds like the European Starling. But, at least this pair is trying to keep the species going… I, um… caught them in the act of making more Bluebirds (photo not shown, as this is a G-rated website)
Western Bluebird – Female