I agree with you! Without websites like these, bluebirding wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable.

I'm Thankful for:
* all the people who have helped the native cavity nesters--if not for those who came before us, what might we have?
* Bet's web site for tons of info compiled from everywhere
* all the people who take their time, talents, and energy to share with others
* gardenweb.com that hosts forums for us
* people who ask questions and actually listen to the answers (which we can all learn from)
* those who leave the trees where they are
* the birds who tolerate us, survive despite us, and brighten our lives
* photographers who share their photos to brighten our days when we are stuck at computers
* a tolerant spouse
* enough $$ to still afford to buy mealworms, and a local supplier so I don't have to pay $$ for shipping

Ditto! My exact sentiments. Hope all of you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

I've been busy so I missed this last week but thanks Bet and everyone who says they appreciate the pictures we post. I often wonder if anyone really cares, especially if there is little or no response. I have my birds close by every day and I tend to forget there are others who don't and are missing theirs this time of year.

Here are some from this morning. For some reason the three youngsters from the last clutch who are still hanging around, are particularly interested in the nest box. For a while the adult female tolerates this, but then she tries to discourage it.

In the sequence below, you will see her first pecking at a young male that wants to enter the nest box. A little later that male and a young female actually go inside the box and Mama then tries to block them from getting out, again by pecking at them.

And now a few odds and ends...

Here Papa intercepts a young HOSP that is headed for the meal worm feeder.

Last shot

Dave!!! NEVER THINK WE GET TIRED OF YOUR PHOTOS!!!! For me, sometimes I spend so much time looking at them that I don't leave myself time to comment--or sometimes (and this is a miracle) words escape me! I do still have my blues around, but am never as up close and personal as you are and I am constantly in awe of your captures. My dh got me a new camera for my birthday last spring (Nikon D60) and I am working on perfecting my skills but everything takes time--plus, I need another lense to get me really close.
Please know that I appreciate the time and effort you take to post these amazing pictures and it would be a great loss if you ever stopped.
Though the males are always gorgeous, I especially enjoy the quite beauty of the females. Your girl is beautiful.
Kathy

Hey Dave,

I know how you feel. Things get a little slower in the Winter and I think a lot of Bluebird lovers kinda hibernate waiting for Spring to return. But we always enjoy your wonderful photos and often visit your site when we don't see you posting in the forums. :)

We haven't posted as much here lately for many of the same reasons. But our crew continues to come everyday here too, and following your good example, I'll post a few recent shots now also...

We feel very fortunate to have our Blues stay with us year-round, and I know many have to suffer the loss of theirs over the Winter months. We hope you all will enjoy seeing some photos as you await the return of your Bluebirds in the Spring. :)

Kenn and Temple

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenn and Temple's Bluebird Gallery

They are all very nice, Kenn. I like several of them VERY much, particularly the last one. (I love the eye lashes). Hard to believe you can get results like this with your set up.

Dave

I don't feel like a "real" bluebirder because the Bluebirds don't nest here (too wooded) but I am thankful that there are others who do provide nestboxes and are devoted to helping Bluebirds survive and thrive in the US. I am also very thankful that the Bluebirds grace me with their presence by visiting the suet log daily during the colder months. They are usually waiting in the morning for me to fill the log and the tray with suet crumbles, making their twangy noises in the trees. They are special birds and a pleasure to watch.

Also wanted to say, please don't feel unappreciated Dave and Kenn! You have posted beautiful photos on this thread and many others and I always enjoy looking at them. I especially enjoy the pictorial quality of Dave's photos series, from which I can learn about Bluebird behavior as well as look at beautiful photos. Kenn, I especially like the 5th picture of the female with the branches and the patches of blue in the back. "Quiet beauty" as Griffin says.

I need to move to Virginia! (Right now, I need a pair of crampons just to cross the icefield that is my driveway!) No blues overwintering here this year, probably a good thing.

I'm thankful again for the wonderful pictures. I am so happy when I can sneak a peek during lunch. They certainly brighten and warm this cloudy freezing day in NY!

Well, we have a little snow here today but nothing like what you are having in the north and nothing the blues here can't handle...so far.

In fact, they're even wing-waving.

Hang in there. Spring is coming...

Wow! You guys post some beautiful pictures! Awesome looking bluebirds and great effort in getting the best shots! I don't have any bluebirds in my yard but I often watch them in the park that's near me. I'm thankful for them and all of you bluebirders that have put so much effort and consideration to the once declining bluebird popultation. I hope to possibly attract a pair of bluebirds to my home this spring, although my yard is fairly small and there are mostly woods behind it. Maybe I'll get lucky and for some reason they'll decide my yard over the 400+ acre state park!