As I was walking along the trails at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, I spotted a small flock of birds foraging high in the trees. When I zoomed in with my telephoto lens, I was delighted to see that they were Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). It may be a bit trite and a bit of a cliché, but I really do love bluebirds—they make me happy.
As you can see from the photos, Eastern Bluebirds have a substantial amount of orange plumage in addition to their blue feathers. Years ago, one of my youngest viewers, Benjamin, suggested that they should be known as Orange Bluebirds and I chuckle as I remember that comment every time that I spot a bluebird.
It was a bit of a challenge capturing shots of these hyperactive little birds as they moved about in the colorful foliage, but I managed to get a few relatively decent shots. Ideally I would have liked for the bluebirds to have been at eye level, but I try to do my best with the conditions that I am given. That is the typical fate of a wildlife photographer.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Great photos, Mike. What kind of camera do you use?
So beautiful against the red leaves and blue sky! Thank you. Brightens our day for sure.
This post is a must save for Benjamin! These lovely photos, especially when enlarged, prove that Bluebirds should rightly be known as Orange Bluebirds. That will always be so for Benjamin and myself…and maybe YOU too! The renowned French environmentalist and photojournalist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, wrote : “The Earth is art, the photographer is only a witness.” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Awesome!
Lovely visitors!