148. Virginia S. DuBowy, MS

Some birds in Vicksburg National Military Park are very adaptable. The park maintains over 140 Civil War-era cannon tubes; however, specific cannon tubes are used every year by at least two species: eastern bluebirds and rough-winged swallows. This photo shows a viable nest of a pair of eastern bluebirds in a 3-inch ordnance rifle located on one of the earthworks in the park. I know for sure that this cannon tube is used every year for at least one nesting cycle. The two bird species have acclimatized to the visiting public and staff constantly approaching their nesting sites, and persevere in successfully raising broods every year.

Click to view full-size image…