Bluebirds

On January 30th, the high here was 8ºF (-13ºC). When you have the only unfrozen water source around -- compliments of a birdbath heater -- you get to see some interesting things when it's very cold. For instance, I happened to notice an Eastern Bluebird that afternoon.

Not only that, but I saw his mate too! (Good thing I left that grate nearby -- it makes a nice perch!)

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You might think that seeing the state bird (it became so in 1927) wouldn't be such a big deal, especially since Eastern Bluebirds range over the whole state (of Missouri) and pretty much the entire central and eastern part of the country.

The thing is though, these are birds that like open spaces, or maybe I should say they like to overlook open spaces. One thing I don't have a lot of in my yard is open space.

There is a grassy hill a block or so away -- maybe that's where they hang out? I usually only spot bluebirds when we're out in the country. I guess I need to pay more attention to my own neighborhood!

They both came back to drink a few more times over the next hour or so and I haven't seen them again since.

I'm glad I saw them on that day!

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