Mountain Bluebird from my archives

Mountain Bluebirds are back in Alberta, including the odd one or two that have been seen within the city limits of Calgary. I haven't been out for a drive to look for them yet, so am posting an old photo taken on 7 June 2012, when I went for a drive SW of the city. Each year, it's such a thrill to see the very first splash of brilliant blue, after six months or more of ice and snow on the ground. They are such gorgeous 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.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id

www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&i...

Interesting, I've just installed the wireless keyboard and monitor that came with my computer. This is the first wireless one I've ever had. Something else to get used to, I see, ha. I did have to Google to find out just how to install it. The arrow keys are in a different place and it took me by surprise when the usual delete button had disappeared. I never learned how to type, so it's always hit and miss, and I need the delete button constantly : ) I can see, though, that it's going to be great not having a mouse cord getting in the way every time I try and type something. I do like the feel of the slim keyboard and it's wonderful to have numbers and letters on all the keys once again - several had worn off my old keyboard, which sure didn't help with my poor typing skills!