As winter progresses, the sumac plants are slowly being picked clean by the birds at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but there are still plenty of berries that attract several species, including one of my favorites, Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Each time that I visit the refuge, I make sure to check out the patches of sumac at several different locations and last Tuesday I was delighted to spot some colorful bluebirds at one of them.
I love to watch the bluebirds zooming in and out of the stalks of sumac. Much of the time they have their heads down, mostly blocked from view, but occasionally I will get a clear shot of one when it lifts its head. I especially like the pose in the first photo, in which the bluebird has its head cocked to the side, giving us a wonderful view of its profile. In the second image, I like the way that you can see the blurry second bird in the background, which, based on its coloration, could be the mate of the male in the foreground.
Best wishes to you all for a Happy Valentine’s Day, however you choose to celebrate (or not to celebrate) this day—may your day be filled with love and with joy.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful captures, Mike. Best wishes to you, too.
I love the color they bring to the otherwise bland scene. Great photos, Mike.
Bluebirds and cardinals bring welcome bursts of color, especially during the bleak days of winter. In the spring and summer they have to compete with flowers and butterflies for our attention, but the field is wide open to them in the winter when it comes to bright colors. 🙂
Love these photos! 🙂
Gorgeous
I think that first portrait is absolutely stunning. The tension in the bird’s pose is wonderful, capturing that balanced moment between action and stillness. The angled head and the asymmetry of the position of the feet adds to the dynamism of the shot. The colours and light are also beautifully handled.
I like your first image as well. Creamy surround makes the Eastern Bluebird standout.
Love their coloration against the rust of the seeds.
I love these birds. Great captures, Mike!
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That’s a bountiful berry banquet for the first bird!
Thanks, Liz. So far there are plenty of berries to go around. 🙂
Fantastic!
Very Nice Series of Bluebird images Mike!