ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

My wife placed a Christmas basket full of artificial flowers and berries in a hanging basket outside the kitchen window to help brighten up winter days. While eating lunch a day or so ago, a flock of 7 bluebirds ganged up on the basket hoping for an easy lunch. Fortunately the camera/tripod was adjacent to the patio doors so I quickly snapped off a shot of the affair. Am a tad reluctant to post this pic due to being criticized (correctly so!) re the potential of wild birds being affected by plastic--we all know the stories of fishing lines tangling up waterfowl and the senseless damage done to other wildlife due to these kinds of thoughtless acts. As a retired biologist, I am well aware of such and am as critical as any conservationist re these problems. In this instance, I can assure you that no critters were harmed, and the birds immediately discovered the deception and quickly flew off. The hanging basket of plastic flowers and berries were immediately removed from the post. The criticism might be that this represents an extreme method of baiting!! Still, I think it makes an interesting (to me) photo, so make of it what you wish. I feel that everyone deserves a basket full of bluebirds once in their lifetime (and we learned a lesson)!! Also, Happy New Year!

Basket full of bluebirds

(Download)

FrumCA

Paul Best. Loc: California desert

Hi Ottercreek, Plastic or not, it is a really fun shot. It reminded me of the time I had 5 raccoons on my bird feeder at one time. Small bird feeder with two inside and three on top. I would consider myself very lucky just seeing something like this. Thanks for posting.

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

They are beautiful and that is special!

cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

Aside from your too PC apologies to the anal crowd you did a fantastic job of reacting and getting a really sharp photo that few of us ever get to see in print or on screen, much less have an opportunity to see in person. Heck, I don't think I've even seen a bluebird in the wild. Totally understand the rationale behind heading off all the nay-sayers before they get a chance to warm up their hot little fingertips. You did great at that, and absolutely super great with the photo. Thank you. Mucho.

ron

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Thanks for looking!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Thanks!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Thanks for the comments! Wow, I see that we have shared almost identical interests! Although my motorcycle days were far too many decades ago.

cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

Mine, too. Started waay too late. I was 64 before I got a dirt bike so I could get up into the mountains. Reckon I’m about to sell it- hurt myself once too many times. At 76, I think maybe 4 wheels is preferably now (or at least 3 on my pedal trike. Something else we share a little- I started out as a teacher of biology. Still love it but ended up teaching woodshop.

Ron

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Field archery was a large interest of mine, but now at 82 fly fishing, fly tying, and handcrafting bamboo fly rods and bug pbotography seem to take up most of my time. Good communicating with you.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Beautiful image, ottercreek

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Thanks a bunch!

National Park

Join your local bluebird society-you may like it. Happy New Year!

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

All I can say is what a beautiful shot and so glad you managed to get it.. A wall hanger..

hippi Loc: Sedalia MO

really nice need some Bluebird - With Lyrics - Paul McCartney & Wings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG1LQpv3p3c