Brewer's Blackbird maleBrewer’s Blackbird male – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

I photographed this pair of Brewer’s Blackbirds at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in northern Utah.  The males have primarily dark plumage and pale yellow eyes. In the right light dark blue, green, purple and gold iridescence can be visible. Far from just a “black bird”.

Brewer's Blackbird femaleBrewer’s Blackbird female – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/350, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

The females may be considered “plain” but even they have a lovely greenish iridescence on their coverts and rump when photographed at the right angle. I like their dark eyes and subtle shades of brown in their plumage.

Brewer’s Blackbirds may not be the most well known of the Blackbird family; I am fairly certain that the Red-winged Blackbirds have that claim to fame, but they are beautiful and interesting subjects to photograph.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Brewer’s Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.