On one of my recent hikes in the Gothe State Forest area behind my house, I spotted this male Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) sitting on top of a dead oak tree and singing his heart out. I was quite a ways away from him and if not for the singing, I might not have noticed him at all. I think these little guys are some of the prettiest birds we have around here, so I decided it was worth trying to get some photos. I had my telephoto lens, but even with that I was awfully far away. The light was fading, too, and I figured that I wouldn’t get a decent shot, but I knew I wouldn’t if I didn’t try. With a little work in post processing, I ended up with the image above. I did try to get a little closer after getting this shot, but the bird took off.

Even though this little guy was gorgeous to look at and his song was beautiful, I know that what he was really doing was warning me away from his territory. It’s the breeding season right now and these guys are well known for being territorial. They may form flocks in the off season, but not during breeding season! I’m not sure where his nest was because I lost him in the tree branches as he flew off, but I thoroughly enjoyed his fatherly display.