Subject: [Tweeters] Two Really Burned Out Baby Bluebirds
Date: Jul 28 22:18:32 2012
From: Roland Coleman - rcoleman at nvinet.com


In addition to being blessed with a Painted Bunting in our backyard this
summer, we also have a pair of "rare" bluebirds as well. Or perhaps not?
Please let us know if this is fairly common?



Anyway, a few hours before a rare "mountain tornado" did so much damage in
Republic, Wa. last week, 30 miles away as the crow flies, a funnel cloud
formed just south of Ellisforde (halfway between Tonasket and Oroville) and
passed directly over our place and where the Painted Bunting has been viewed
by many of you.



It did not extent all the way to the ground, which would have changed it's
classification to a tornado instead, but as it passed over it spawned a
lightning strike that did something very out of character at my in-laws
house. It totally ignored the tall trees and a power pole that was very
close by, and struck a lowly corner fence post 100' from their house, on
which a Bluebird was attached making it the highest point. We were away at
the time, but the neighbors said the thunder was so loud it literally shook
the ground a quarter mile away!



On first inspection, it seemed as if the baby Bluebirds were toast, because
they appeared to be lifeless when we looked in through the opening and
gently shook the nest. But, about 12 hours later when we finally went to
put the smoldering fire out, to our great surprise, and delight, there were
cheeping sounds coming from the nest! Yes, we knew the mother Bluebird was
still carrying insects to her "dead babies," but assumed it was purely
motherly instinct and habit.



Needless to say, we quickly leaned the Bluebird house back up against the
burned off fence, and within a few minutes this amazing Western Bluebird
mommy was feeding her very alive babies once again as though nothing out of
the ordinary had ever happened! And then few days later they flew the nest!



Yes, we've always had a soft spot for all our little feathered friends, and
we sincerely hope these two little guys enjoy a long and uneventful life,
because they sure deserve one!



Please forgive me if this is not the right kind of thing to post here, but
thought you might enjoy some good news to start your busy week!



Thank you and God bless,

Roland and Karen Coleman



PS: Here are a few if you'd like to check it out. I think I did it right,
but please let me know if the link is broken :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64887815 at N03/7666387240/in/set-7215763079824273
0