Three Blue Birds but only One Bluebird??

Who knew?

Bluebirds are not equal to blue birds!

On a recent late April bird outing along Farren Road on the mountain side of 'the 101' in Goleta, CA I was not only able to find three different blue birds, but also catch them on digital files. [Wasn't it easier when you could say "catch them on film"?] The tall and invasive yellow-flowered Black Mustard, Brassica nigra so favored by birds (above), was in full bloom, coating the foothills with a dash of lemon.

This long-distance photo of a Blue Grosbeak shows just how bright their value of blue can be when contrasted to the surrounding landscape.


This view from a utility wire shows the chestnut-colored wings and demonstrates again just how bright their blue can be. In this photo, there is no contrasting color - simply the remarkable blue of Blue Grosbeak against a California spring sky.

While the above photo is far from 'calendar quality', it's the only suitable photo I have (so far) of the Lazuli Bunting. Another new spring bird for me (along with the Blue Grosbeak) the Lazuli Bunting takes the color blue in a different direction- turquoise.

The last two photos of the Western Bluebird were taken the on the same day as the Blue Grosbeak and Lazuli Bunting photos & sightings, making it a true 'triple-header' of blue birds. As the photos indicate, the Western Bluebirds were much more approachable, allowing for more detailed photos.

Why not add the blue-colored Western Blue Jay? Or Barn Swallow? I was simply so smitten with these three very blue birds, all seen within ten minutes of each other, I want to share just them.

Good Birding!