Eastern Bluebirds at Red Wing Farm in Chelmsford
On a cool, sunny New England spring morning bluebird love was in the air.
After dropping my son off at school, I visited Red Wing Farm (a great open space in Chelmsford,Massachusetts to bird watch) and was fortunate to observe a pair of Eastern Bluebirds grazing upon fat grubs while perched atop their nesting box.
The bluebirds seemed a bit put off by me at first, but I kept my distance and was careful to keep my movements to a minimum. Soon the bluebirds seemed to forget about me and began to go about their business of collecting grubs and insects, and defending their territory from encroaching tree swallows that had set up a nest in a cluster of nest boxes on the opposite side of the meadow.
The female bluebird sang throughout the morning. She remained perched atop the nest box, bouncing from corner to corner cheerfully singing to her partner as he repeated his dash from tree to tree, snatching insects in mid-flight. Her sweet songs were rewarded with a gift of the fattest grubs of the morning. My reward was being able to watch (and listen) on a beautiful New England spring morning.
If you visit…
Red Wing Farm (Maple Road, Chelmsford, Massachusetts) is an ideal area for the bluebirds and for those who like to watch them. The several acre area, once an abandoned apple orchard covered in thick vines and tall grass, now has large open fields, edged by large forested acres and wetlands.
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is accessible from Red Wing and it features a wetlands viewing station, as well as several walking paths. Red Wing Farm part of the Chelmsford Conservation Commission and is maintained by Chelmsford’s Open Space Stewards.
These photos used with permission from Ed Haynes
4 comments
Vincent Lindow Jr says:
November 29, 2010 at 12:40 pm (UTC -4 )
I really enjoyed your video. Looks like you had a great time.I am just starting my blog and am looking forward to posting great stuff like you are doing. I will let people on my blog know about your site.It has a lot of great information
marlene says:
December 14, 2010 at 12:38 pm (UTC -4 )
bluebirds in my front yard today in east chelmsford 3-4 individuals!!
i put out some suet for them
Ed Haynes says:
May 20, 2012 at 3:43 pm (UTC -4 )
I took some bluebird photos at red wing farm this weekend you’re welcome to use if you like, was there for troop 107 (cub scouts) campout
http://ed-haynes.smugmug.com/Other/Red-Wing-Farm-Birds/23074492_NkvxHQ/
Bill Askenburg says:
May 20, 2012 at 9:44 pm (UTC -4 )
Thanks for the great photos! Very beautiful birds.