Bluebirds and Turkeys on the Move

The Bluebirds are on the move. I looked out and there were at least 20 of them flicking around the backyard. For whatever reason during their annual migration south, just love or cavities or perhaps scoping out possibilities for the Spring, Bluebirds can't pass a cavity or nestbox without trying it out for size. First they peer in.


Then one or the either of a pair goes inside, checks the interior, then looks out of the "hole", while the other looks on.

After all nooks and crannies are investigated they're off once again.

I was driving down Cox Road when I had to come to a stop while a horde of turkeys trotted across the road. This is just the tail end of the flock.

They then loped off into a backyard. Can't imagine what it's like the first time you look out the kitchen window and see any number of big hefty birds just marching along through your garden.

I then trotted up to the head of the flock and there they were, just standing around waiting for the others to catch up. Though not exactly migrating, turkeys flock up into large groups in the winter and hang out with one another until breeding season begins the following year. Then all bets are off when it comes to the buddy system.

Burrowing Owl Off Course from long time correspondent Robin of Illinois--
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/state/weird-birdie-on-cruise-ship-golf-course

And from my man, Bill Walters, in New York City,
More feather colors from bird fossils--
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/science/01penguin.html?emc=etal