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Feb 18
2011
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Perched lightly on a branch, an adorable little Bluebird watched South RIVERKEEPER® Diana and I as we walked along the non tidal portion of Crab Creek. A bit nosier than the rest of his flock, the curious little bird hopped from branch to branch closer and closer to us to investigate. I am not sure what he found more unusual; a group of humans walking through the woods on a cool winter day or the tremendous amount of trash carried into the non-tidal portion of the creek by stormwater. Once he satisfied his curiosity, he quickly rejoined his flock and flew away. Even though it is easy to get caught up in everything bad that is happening to the South River like the trash carried in by stormwater, it is always refreshing to be reminded of the beautiful flora and fauna that call the river home.
The South River is home to many beautiful species, including the Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis. This is a smaller species of bird from the thrush family with a pleasantly plump figure. The males have brilliant royal blue backs and heads with a warm copper and white breast. The females tend to have greyer backs and tails with blue highlights on the wings. Bluebirds prefer meadows and other openings surrounded by trees. They will nest in holes or nesting boxes. Mating pairs lay 4-6 eggs pale blue eggs in spring. Some have up to three broods a year. While their main diet consists of insects, they will also feed on ripe fruit. Keep a lookout for these beautiful birds. As spring approaches, we should start to see more in the area!
Source: http://web4.audubon.org/bird/boa/f11_g2a.html
