Fascinating, Stew, and so tempting to assume that human males are driven by similar territorial behaviors. But that line of reasoning breaks down when we realize the bluebird stops its aggression once it’s clear that his biological imperative to breed has been fulfilled. Human male aggression certainly isn’t limited to a season or only to those who have not successfully mated. Then again, we have many other perceived threats.
The photographs in the piece quoted here and linked below are so good!
“…seen almost exclusively in adult males and only when defending a territory. Usually this only occurs before a mate is obtained or at least before a female has completed her nest and is sitting on eggs. By the time the young have fledged but may still be seeking food from parents, this behavior will have stopped. It is hormonally driven and as nesting season progresses, the testosterone driving this behavior declines and the aggression also declines. Along with this, other hormones increase that initiate brooding in females and males of some species. Males still sing but territories are well established and strong territorial aggression is not as necessary. Boundaries are usually well-respected by other neighbors of the same species.”
Where last summer we had a steady stream of bluebirds, this year we’ve missed seeing them. I think it has to do with the fact that we have been feeding resident populations of all species. The bluebirds may not appreciate the competition. Earlier this week, I was delighted to finally spot a pair. Phew!
Loved this line: The Mourning Dove always sounds like a distant sadness spoken into a pillow. Perfect!
What an informative link - and what fabulous photos of the bird in action.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. This post has gotten the most views of any, but very few comments. I think I have all the right things turned on (thanks for your tip a few weeks back). I will probably come back to the question of the human corollary for the bluebird delusion...
How and when people engage in posts is always a mystery, the Substack algorithm playing its own part, of course. Some writers, myself included, add prompts/questions at the end to get the conversation rolling. Happy to talk more offline sometime.
Fascinating, Stew, and so tempting to assume that human males are driven by similar territorial behaviors. But that line of reasoning breaks down when we realize the bluebird stops its aggression once it’s clear that his biological imperative to breed has been fulfilled. Human male aggression certainly isn’t limited to a season or only to those who have not successfully mated. Then again, we have many other perceived threats.
The photographs in the piece quoted here and linked below are so good!
“…seen almost exclusively in adult males and only when defending a territory. Usually this only occurs before a mate is obtained or at least before a female has completed her nest and is sitting on eggs. By the time the young have fledged but may still be seeking food from parents, this behavior will have stopped. It is hormonally driven and as nesting season progresses, the testosterone driving this behavior declines and the aggression also declines. Along with this, other hormones increase that initiate brooding in females and males of some species. Males still sing but territories are well established and strong territorial aggression is not as necessary. Boundaries are usually well-respected by other neighbors of the same species.”
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2022/06/29/male-mountain-bluebird-attacking-his-own-reflection-part-ii/
Where last summer we had a steady stream of bluebirds, this year we’ve missed seeing them. I think it has to do with the fact that we have been feeding resident populations of all species. The bluebirds may not appreciate the competition. Earlier this week, I was delighted to finally spot a pair. Phew!
Loved this line: The Mourning Dove always sounds like a distant sadness spoken into a pillow. Perfect!
What an informative link - and what fabulous photos of the bird in action.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. This post has gotten the most views of any, but very few comments. I think I have all the right things turned on (thanks for your tip a few weeks back). I will probably come back to the question of the human corollary for the bluebird delusion...
I look forward to the follow up on this topic!
How and when people engage in posts is always a mystery, the Substack algorithm playing its own part, of course. Some writers, myself included, add prompts/questions at the end to get the conversation rolling. Happy to talk more offline sometime.