Western Bluebird, Petaluma, California

Photo of a male western bluebird on a broken branch.

For several years now we’ve been fortunate to have a pair of western bluebirds use one of the nest boxes in our backyard. The female this year has a strange habit. She constantly flies into windows at our house and our neighbor’s house. She doesn’t injure herself, it’s more of a bump with her breast and then she will drop down to the small sill at the bottom of the window and then repeat the process over and over. It may be that she sees her reflection and is maybe trying to scare away what she thinks is a rival. I don’t know if this is right. That’s what I get when I google the question. Has anyone else seen a bluebird do this?  Does anyone have a different theory for why?

One Response

  1. Sounds right on the reflection of a potential rival. Have photographed ruby crowned kinglet going after side mirror reflection on my car. However, I also find juncos, chickadees, etc. going after the bugs on the corners of the windows.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share this:

More Posts

Kestrel, Point Reyes National Seashore
A male kestrel perches on a metal fence post. I love to photograph kestrels, especially the males because...
Read Article
American Badger, Yellowstone National Park
Badger Mom This is a mother badger tending to her den entrance.  She had one baby which was underground...
Read Article
Bull Elephant, Selenkay Conservancy, Kenya
“Jambo,” says a bull elephant as he greets us while walking in the Selenkay Conservancy,...
Read Article
A bald eagle grabs a fish in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
View Galleries

Prints for sale

Browse my selection of photos for sale as fine art prints

Filter by category