I found three Western Bluebirds at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve in Thurston County
this morning. Their plumage was rather dull. They looked a little on the scruffy side
and behaved as though they weren't sure what to do when cars and trucks drove by, sort of
flying around in a big circle and coming back to land in a tree not far from the one they
left. I think they were juveniles.

I'd like to know if they were nest box produced (the bird equivalent to hatchery salmon)
or reared in a cavity in a tree (wild fish equivalent). Also a kestrel in the area making
the starlings nervous.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
Reply to: mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov