The wild bird most associated with the Rocky Mountains, and a feathered friend that most residents, and visitors to the Wild West, have never seen is the Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). Just the name conjures up images of a little bird the color of a mountaintop sky.  Yet, because they eat insects they're not very easy to spot in the high country; even skilled birders have a difficult time locating one in the Spring.  They are devastatingly beautiful. Mountain Bluebird Portrait, WyomingMountain Bluebird Portrait Photographed in Wonderful Wyoming.  

     The sky blue Mountain Bluebird nests at higher altitudes, usually stated as over 5000 feet. The females, while not as flashy, are regal in contrast to the outrageous blue of the males.  These birds are migratory because of their bug diet, and are one of the rare birds that hovers while hunting for it's food.

     Their nests are made of dry grass and plant fibers in "natural cavities" or appropriate birdhouses.  Their beaks and primary feathers are longer than either the Eastern or Western Bluebird.  The Mountain Bluebird is not easily confused with any other wild bird you will see in Wyoming.

     An amazing stroke of good luck and sharp eyes had a nesting pair of Mountain Bluebirds fly into my lap on Monday last.  These two are right now building a nest on a cliff side not fifteen minutes from my cabin in the Wind River Canyon; I'd rather not give the exact location for their protection.  They are well hidden and will be successful in raising cute little bluebirds of their own this Spring.                                      Mountain Bluebirds, Mating Pair - WyomingPhotograph of Mountain Bluebird mating pair nesting in Wyoming.

     As I always do when I'm in the field, I had on my ratty cowboy hat and tan bird shirt when I spotted the male on some sagebrush.  Spending time with them on Monday morning, I spent oodles more time with them after my acupuncture with the wonderful Dr. Hayes in Thermopolis.  The male Mountain Bluebird quickly got used to my presence as he would a deer or a bison; the double whistle I use helps birds to quickly recognize it's me again, and of no threat to them.  This commonality really works wonders by-the-way.  I've since spent days observing them, in what we will call blue-bliss.

     I've got digital files of these two flying here and there and doing this and that; the female is cute with dried grasses in her beak!  But on Wednesday afternoon, after the short hike over to their territory, I saw a Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) singing on the same spot the male Bluebird called his own; a fine birdsong it is.  As I was happily shooting away, the Mountain Bluebird (m) swooped in and aggressively chased the Lark Sparrow away, never to be seen or heard from again.  This is one tough little Mountain Bluebird.  I got one single frame of the lightning-like event; I finished working it just this very morning!                                                  Mountain Bluebird chasing off a Lark Sparrow.Mountain Bluebird chasing off a Lark Sparrow in Wyoming.      Let me finish by explaining something about real patience photography.  I hiked over to the other side of the cliffs, which are also cliffs, and sat down on a small flat, lichen covered rock with the camera and big lens on my crossed legs.  After an hour my back and everything else hurt, so I straighten up and tried to clear my mind of the pain that shot through me as I held still and photographed.  This male Mountain Bluebird came as close to me as he had ever been, and I shot my Canon away.  Then he looked back at something, and the female flew to his side.  It's moments-in-time like this that we live for and never forget.  When magical events snap-to-happen in nature, in front of my surgically saved sight, one single thought usually hits me----"Don't screw this up, let's get this shot right stupid."  I hope your Spring is just as cool!

Lovingly written and photographed by Michael John Balog, Wind River Canyon, Wyoming.  Hogbats Photography - HogbatsPhotography.com