Hosting Bluebirds

"The bluebird carries the sky on his back." -  Henry David Thoreau

We hosted a family of bluebirds this spring in an 

ancient box on the backyard fence. I was so excited at the 

first sight of them checking out the area.

"I have had more than half a century of such happiness. A great deal of worry and sorrow, too, 
but never a worry or a sorrow that was not offset by a purple iris, a lark, a bluebird, 
or a dewy morning glory."  
- Mary McLeod Bethune

Watching the parents continually tending their twins was 

an every-night distraction. 

"What do you want to do tonight?"

"Hmmm ... should we check on the bluebirds?"

"Yes!"

"The bluebird enjoys the pre-eminence of being the first bit of color that cheers our northern landscape. 
The other birds that arrive about the same time--the sparrow, the robin, the phoebe-bird--are clad in neutral tints, gray, brown, or russet; but the bluebird brings one of the primary hues and the divinest of them all."  
- John Burroughs

Now the box is empty and we never see their beautiful blue 

on our small Kentucky acre. But we hope they'll return next year. 

We added another box in case they bring friends.

These cards, featuring the eastern bluebird, are tiny, signed lithographs 
which used to be found inside boxes of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. 
In 1938, these beautifully detailed treasures were collected by bird lovers ... and quickly discarded 
by those who just wanted to "clean enamel surfaces," "boil rat traps," or "put out a fire." * 
This collection is for sale in my Etsy vintage shop. Take a look at more photos here.

* These suggestions, and others, on the back of every card.