Female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York. Nikon D7100/80-400VR, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 640, EV +0.6, 400mm focal length (600mm DX).

It was a windy, cold Spring day when I visited the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York last week.  The Wildlife Drive was not completely open yet with a turn around and two way traffic on a normal one way drive around the Main Pool.  Saw large flocks of migrating Redhead Ducks, red-winged blackbirds were staking out their territories, turkey vultures soaring overhead, Canada geese milling about, a Bald Eagle hunting near the river and other small songbirds singing.  No sign of Song Sparrows, yet.

While walking on the observation deck at the Visitor Center, a streak of blue flew past me and landed on the corner of the deck’s wood fence.  The female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) stood still long enough for me to get a couple of photos before flying off.  A male was nearby, staying out of range of my camera no matter how long I waited.