"Father and Son" (Eastern Bluebirds)

Bluebirds are a cherished sight. At one time Eastern Bluebirds were designated rare by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada based on low populations with similar designations in the U.S. Thanks to the efforts of “bluebirders' for constructing nest boxes all across the country, this population has increased significantly to the point where it was de-listed in 1996 and is no longer classified as rare.

Each spring this male is a common sight in our backyard as he and his mate occupy a nest box on our fence line. He is pictured here on a favoured perching spot feeding his fledgling son. I find it amusing that they choose this particular location as the fledglings always seems to be mimicking the wide gape of this favourite garden sculpture by friend and retired artist Fred Ostertag.