Red-winged Blackbird male perched in Rabbitbrush – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was clear yesterday morning and I just had to get out into the field after being cooped up for nearly a week and Antelope Island was beckoning. There was a cluster of Red-winged Blackbirds on the north tip of the island who actually hung around for a bit allowing me to take photos of them in the golden light that occurs just after the sun rises.
Several of the blackbirds were feeding on the fluffy rabbitbrush seeds next to a parking area including this male Red-winged Blackbird. Just a few weeks ago all of the rabbitbrush on the island was covered in bright yellow flowers and now it has all gone to seed.
It felt good to get out for a while yesterday and leave my worries behind just for a bit.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Is that a juvenile/1st year male, or does the male acquire the brown scalloped edging during the winter?
Female doesn’t look AT ALL like the male=???
The red-winged blackbird is the perfect accompaniment to that golden light.
Damned IPad doing its thing again…sorry!
Those seeds must be very small….the fluff looks like good nesting material…wonder how much will be leftover by spring….
Those seeds must be very small….the fluff looks like good nesting material…wonder how much will be leftover by spring….
Pretty!
Beautiful image, Mia.