Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 19, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 19, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 19, 2025

Picnic Table Campsite #4

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 19, 2025

Lark Sparrow

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 19, 2025

A Very Blue Bird!

Male in Brilliant Breeding Color despite Rain and Clouds!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- May 19, 2025

Those entering Makoshika State Park may notice birds with striking blue feathers flying around the rugged landscape and that’s all thanks to one local birder who has spent a great deal of time over the last 13 years managing the many birdhouses scattered throughout the park.

Lew Melby is often found throughout the summer months hiking trails in Makoshika checking on a total of 85 birdhouses that are in place for the parks acclaimed mountain bluebirds.

“I’m kind of a birder,” he said.

Melby took over managing the birdhouses around 2010 after his predecessor — and good friend — Vern Lindquist handed the job over to him.

There were only about 50 birdhouses scattered throughout Makoshika State Park when Melby started managing them.

“I’ve kind of expanded it and, at times, I’ve made mistakes, put them in places where they weren’t used by bluebirds and hopefully I’ve learned a little bit,” Melby said.

Getting a start was not as easy as it might seem, however, as he had to figure out how to deal with bull snakes causing an issue by eating bluebird eggs.

“I tried quite a few different things,” Melby said, noting he eventually just let the snakes run their course until the issue went away. “I put chicken wire around the posts, I tried grease, I tried everything and finally I just decided that … I guess they have as much right as a bluebird.”

In preparation for the bluebirds to show themselves this year, Melby finished cleaning all 85 birdhouses just a couple of weeks ago, a task he says takes quite a bit of time yet it is worth it once bluebirds start to nest in them.

He said he genuinely enjoys managing the birdhouses, as it gives him an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and Makoshika State Park on a regular basis.

“I like it because I get some exercise, I see a lot of different birds, I see other wildlife and it gets me out in the outdoors,” Melby said. “I get to enjoy the park.”

Cleaning and preparing the birdhouses for bluebirds is not the only job Melby must do, rather he is also in charge of checking them to see if the bluebirds are actually using them or if another species of bird decided to occupy them.

“You can tell by the nesting material what kind of bird it is,” he said.

Other birds that Melby often finds making homes within the birdhouses include tree swallows, wrens and, in some rare cases, a different kind of bluebird.

He noted a mountain bluebird builds its nest completely out of grass, whereas tree swallows build with a mixture of grass and tree feathers, and wrens simply fill the birdhouse with sticks.

Additionally, Melby tracks show many bluebird eggs are laid and how many fledge at the end of the season, which is around the middle to the end of July.

According to his observations and research over the last 13 years, mountain bluebirds lay anywhere between five to seven eggs, which he said is an easily manageable number compared to if he were to track tree swallows and wrens.

“I keep track of how many bluebirds fledged,” he said, adding he then submits numbers for the year to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “You could not keep track of how many wrens fledge … If you did those with 85 boxes, you’d go crazy because wrens lay up to eight or nine young and then after they get done, another wren may nest in there.”

Aside from his duties of managing the birdhouses, Melby also takes time to take students and members of the communities on short hikes to see the bluebirds, how their nests are made and how he tracks each bluebird.

“I like when the kids show up because I try to teach them a little bit about birds,” Melby said. “I try to make it educational.”

He believes the bluebirds are a wonderful sight for locals and visitors alike as they wander Makoshika State Park, and he wants to ensure the bluebirds continue to return year after year.

“

Quite a few birders come into the park, so it’s an attraction that people like to see,” Melby said.

His next bluebird hike is scheduled to occur during Buzzard Day on June 10 at 8 a.m.

Heidner B. Glendive birder takes joy in management of Makoshika State Park bluebird houses.  Ranger-Review May 26, 2023

What a beautiful pair!

Female is flying- Male followed shortly!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Note the Russian Olive seeds possible brought in by Least Chipmunk

Mountain Bluebird Nest #9

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird Nest

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mom is Trying to get back Home!

Mountain Bluebird and Western Meadowlark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mom is Trying to get back Home!

Mountain Bluebird and Western Meadowlark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mom is Trying to get back Home!

Mountain Bluebird and Western Meadowlark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mom is Trying to get back Home!

Mountain Bluebird and Western Meadowlark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Red-headed Woodpeck

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

American Goldfinch

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Black-billed Magpie

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Cedar Waxwing

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Eastern Kingbird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Least Chipmunk

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Least Chipmunk

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 20, 2025

Dad Bringing in Food!

Mom is in the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- May 21, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Horned Lark on the Nest Box!

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Dad Chased the Horned Lark Away!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Mom Entered the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Dad is Guarding the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Dad is Looking to see that Mom is Okay!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Dad Caught a Bug!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Flying to the Nest Box Opening!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

He has the Bug at the Box Opening!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

He Gave her the Insect and Now is Look at Bluebird Emblem!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Out to Find More Food!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

American Goldfinch

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Horned Lark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

Spotted Towhee

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 21, 2025

A well-traveled North Dakota-based photographer recently learned about a longtime local effort to cultivate the habitat of one his favorite bird species, leading him to spend more time in Makoshika State Park to capture their splendor.

“I became entranced with mountain bluebirds over 10 years ago,” Steven McDonough, a photographer out of Bismarck, N.D., said in an interview on Monday.

For as long as McDonough can recall, he has always had a love for animals and the outdoors. Between pets and hobbies, he never passed up opportunities to enjoy nature when he was not working his day-to-day job as a pediatrician, including volunteering as a Boy Scouts leader for 15 years.

“I got to be really comfortable going out and doing remote camping,” McDonough said.

Photography has also been part of his life for decades, but he started to develop his skills in nature photography about 20 years ago when he had more time to do so after his kids were out of the house.

While McDonough enjoys photography and reviewing the photos he takes, he maintains the skill and produces photos for the purpose of helping children — specifically third graders — learn.

Every year for the last decade, he is invited into third grade classrooms to teach students about different animals and their habitats, as he has traveled the world and photographed countless animal species such as penguins, different birds, bears, elephant seals, owls and many more.

“Children, in particular at that age, have a great love of animals,” McDonough said.

Similarly, McDonough maintains a free website known as Dakota Reflections to share through photographs his love for animals and nature with the general public. The website garners about 200 site visits per day from all over the world.

“It’s basically there to share my love of animals with hopefully some cool photographs for people to know what’s kind of in this area,” he said.

As McDonough’s love for mountain bluebirds in particular grew, he started to question what it was about the species that captivated him most. That ultimately resulted in a seven-point list answering the question.

Aside from the simple fact that the mountain bluebirds are blue in color, he appreciates they show themselves to people more often than other unique birds.

“A lot of birds, they fly into the pine or the trees and the leaves and they disappear,” McDonough said. “(Mountain bluebirds) are more visible.”

Photographing mountain bluebirds got a bit easier for McDonough this year after he discovered a longtime effort in Makoshika State Park to foster the species’ habitat with 85 bird boxes. Otherwise, he noted, the mountain bluebird nests in cavities of the badlands, making it difficult to spot.

“It’s much easier for me to photograph the mountain bluebirds there, whereas in North Dakota I will spend hours and hours driving around to get a few photos of them,” McDonough said. “In North Dakota, I’m not aware of anyone doing the excellent work they are doing in Makoshika.”

The mountain bluebird boxes in Makoshika State Park are currently — and have been for about 15 years — maintained by Glendive resident Lew Melby, who McDonough had the opportunity to meet and work with recently.

“He’s a very impressive man,” McDonough said. “He’s done an outstanding job of increasing the number of mountain bluebirds and they help control the insect population.”

Other reasons McDonough enjoys watching and photographing mountain bluebirds are the similar lifestyle, attributes and relationships they share with humans.

“That’s really helpful when I go and talk at schools,” McDonough said.

He noted male and female mountain bluebirds are distinctly different with unique roles as they work equally hard to care for their young while nesting.

“They’re monogamous, they stay with each other, they feed their babies frequently, they defend the nest,” McDonough said. “They’re just devoted parents.”

“(Children) can relate to that because they know how hard their parents work to support them,” he added.

McDonough plans to return to Makoshika State Park in the coming weeks when the young mountain bluebirds begin to fledge and leave the nest, as he hopes to capture those moments along with instances of the father and mother bluebirds bringing food to their young.

More information about McDonough and his photos can be viewed atdakotareflections.com.

https://www.rangerreview.com/news/north-dakota-photographer-follows-the-bluebird-trail-to-makoshika-state-park/article_2cdf9b2d-1249-4e68-90ba-a8fdb44c0f83.html

Photographing Mountain Bluebird Box #9

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Going after a Flying Insect!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Got the Insect!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

May 31, 2025

Working as a Team to feed their Babies!

Incoming Mom on the Right- Outgoing Dad on the Left!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- May 31, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Dad taking out the Poop Sac!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Shadow on the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Mom Bring in Food!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Mom has Two Insects!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Full Wing Display!

As Blue as Blue can Get!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- June 1, 2025

Talking while Flying!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Field Sparrows

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Field Sparrow

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Horned Lark

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 1, 2025

Very Young Babies!

Several Days Old!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- June 7, 2025

Dad has a Bug!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom has a Seed!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom is Bringing the Seed in for her Babies!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

When Babies eat, they Poop!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom is taking out the Poop!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad has a Seed!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad is Looking for an Insect!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad has an Insect!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad is Looking for more Insects!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad caught two more Insects!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Three Insects for his Babies!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

These are his Babies!

Mountain Bluebird Nest #9

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad is Hovering to find Insects!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Two Insects for his Babies!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom's Beautiful Feathers!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Dad is Playing with a Seed!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

First Photography of Baby Peaking out of Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

A Truly Beautiful Bird!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom Taking a Bath!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom Looking for Russian Olive Seeds!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Mom Found a Russian Olive Seed!

Do you see her Yellow Orange Tongue?

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Parents Guarding the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Close Up!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Three Babies!

Mountain Bluebird Nest

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

American Goldfinch

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Cedar Waxwing

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Cedar Waxwing

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Tree Swallow

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Tree Swallow Nest

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Tree Swallow Nests

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 7, 2025

Tree Swallow 

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Baby is Hungry and Dad has Food!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Dad is on his Way!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Getting Closer!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Baby's mouth is Open!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Ready for Food!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Photo of the Day- June 8, 2025

Dad's Beautiful Feathers!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Looking for Parents!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Nice Shadow!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Mom says She will find more Food for her Hungry Babies!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Baby is Patiently Waiting!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Beautiful Perch!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Feathers in Flight!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Landing on Thin Buffalo grass!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Landed!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Balancing in the Wind!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Dad has an Insect!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Looking for his Mate!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Both Parents have Food!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Mom Bringing in a Seed!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Dad is coming to the Nest Box!

Mountain Bluebird

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Good Landing Dad!

Mountain Bluebirds

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025

Gathering Nesting Material!

American Robin

Makoshika State Park, Montana

June 8, 2025