Mountain Bluebird / Sialia currucoides

A second photo of this beautiful Mountain Bluebird that flew over to near where I was standing, posed to the left, posed to the right and then off it flew. Similar to the previously posted image, but facing the opposite way. Taken south west of Calgary on April 10th, along one of the backroads. Such breathtaking little birds.

In Bluebirds, the blue colour is produced by the structure of the feather - there is no blue pigment. "Tiny air pockets in the barbs of feathers can scatter incoming light, resulting in a specific, non-iridescent color. Blue colors in feathers are almost always produced in this manner. Examples include the blue feathers of Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, Blue Jay's and Steller's Jays." www.birds.cornell.edu/allaboutbirds/studying/feathers/col...

"In Alberta, they are most readily seen along roadsides in the foothill country near Calgary where bluebird enthusiasts provide, maintain and monitor nestboxes. Autumn migration is an extended affair. Flocks assemble in mid August and most have departed by late September. Usually, however, there are some that linger to late October and sometimes into November." talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=238

I've just watched an 18-minute video on YouTube about how the Mycelium of fungi could save the planet. Perhaps a little heavy going in parts, but quite fascinating, too. The research that is going on sounds very promising.

youtu.be/XI5frPV58tY