Eastern Bluebirds on Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail
Ever since I bought my new camera, our rides along Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail have become even more enjoyable. We usually head north or south, depending on the day, stopping at the WhistleStops along the way to stretch our legs and see what we can discover. Lately, I’ve found myself paying much closer attention to the birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and other little wonders that make each trip unique. This spring, one of my favorite discoveries was a pair of beautiful Eastern Bluebirds that seemed perfectly content to perch nearby while I admired them. These are a few of my favorite photos from our time together on the trail.
A Closer Look at the Female
At first glance, I assumed every bluebird looked like the brilliant blue male. The more time I spent watching them, the more I noticed the female’s softer blue-gray coloring and warm cinnamon breast. She wasn’t as flashy, but she was just as beautiful and often just as willing to pose for a photograph.
A Favorite Perch
One thing I noticed during several rides on the Tanglefoot Trail was how often this male bluebird returned to the same bluebird house. He would perch on top for a few moments, looking in every direction before flying off, only to return again a little while later. Watching him made me realize how much I’ve been missing by simply riding past. Now I find myself stopping more often, camera in hand, hoping to catch another quiet moment like this.
Always Watching
It didn’t take long to realize that bluebirds have favorite places to perch. Whether it was a trail-side post, a weathered bluebird house, or a nearby tree branch, they always seemed to pause for a moment before taking flight again. Those brief stops gave me just enough time to enjoy watching them and, if I was lucky, capture another photograph. I’m looking forward to many more rides along Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail and discovering what other birds and wildlife are waiting around the next bend.
One thing I couldn’t help but notice—the male bluebird definitely won the beauty contest! Poor little female…she got the practical colors instead. Somehow, I don’t think she minds a bit. I’m already looking forward to seeing them again on another ride along Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail.
