Last year several of my most popular postings featured Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). In response to one of those postings, one of my youngest followers, Benjamin, asked his grandmother why they were not called Orange Bluebirds, because the birds’ bodies seemed to have as much orange as blue. I appreciate all of the comments that viewers make, but that one comment has particularly stuck with me and it comes to mind whenever I see a bluebird.
On the last day of February, I spotted several bluebirds at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, my first sighting of the species in 2019. I was pleased to capture this image that shows some of the subtle coloration of one of those bluebird, with wonderfully varying shades of blue and orange.
As I was poking about on the internet looking for information on bluebirds, I came across a sweet little song by Paul McCartney and Wings called Bluebird. The song was on the album Band on the Run—I remember the album, but don’t recall having heard the song. If you want to hear the song, check out this link to the song on YouTube. As a sneak preview to the song, here are the lyrics to the first couple of stanzas, as found on the website of The Paul McCartney Project.
“Late at night when the wind is still
I’ll come flying through your door
And you’ll know what love is for,
I’m a bluebird
I’m a bluebird
I’m a bluebird
Touch your lips with a magic kiss,
And you’ll be a bluebird too,
And you’ll know what love can do,
I’m a bluebird
I’m a bluebird
I’m a bluebird…”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Two things came to mind here: one amusing, one interesting. Your title reminded me of a cockatiel I once knew who was given to spreading his wings as widely as he could and yelling, “I’m an eagle!”
And just this morning, I was thinking about how pleasurable it is to see bluebonnets mixed with Indian paintbrush: blue and orange. That reminded me that the flower known as Scarlet Pimpernel comes in both blue and orange. Maybe Nature just loves that combination, and produces it whenever she can.
They are such pretty birds. Great image, Mike.
Beautiful birds, and I love that song too. There have been times when painting a blue bird that I find I am singing that song. 💙😊
I love that and recall from your postings that you enjoy painting bluebirds in watercolor.
The Bluebirds in the South Carolina Lowcountry could almost be another species. The blue is so vivid you can easily mistake them for Indigo Buntings. I think I took a quick snap shot recently. Perhaps I will post it, even if the quality is poor.
I think that “my” bluebird is probably a female and females have more subdued colors than the males. I know that in some species the colors are brighter during breeding season, but I am not sure if that is the case for bluebirds. Finally, I suspect in certain kinds of lighting the blue is more vivid.
I just posted a rather poor Bluebird image, but the color is true to what we have year round.
That’s a lovely shot!
They’re a beautiful bird and you’re lucky to have so many of them.
Nice shot!
Ever since Benjamin’s inquiry, Bluebirds will forever be known as “Orange-Bluebirds” by my family and friends. I am delighted that the name has stuck with you as well! I had completely forgotten Paul McCartney’s song and I have that album. I must listen to the entire song, though I doubt that “I’m an orange-bluebird” would have fit very nicely. Thank-you for brightening my day!
You are so welcome, Ellen. People influence each other in ways they often never know. When I post photos or write a blog posting, I never know how or if anyone will respond to it. I really appreciate the fact that you are able to pass on Benjamin’s comments. Kids see the world in ways that are different from adults and I love being able to get some insight into his perceptions.