Male Yellow-headed Blackbird perched in phrags – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday morning and came home with some spring Yellow-headed Blackbird photos I am happy with. My drive around the auto tour route was leisurely and relaxed because I wanted to absorb and be enchanted by all of the sounds and sights of the wetlands awakening from the quieter winter days. The calls and songs of the birds in the marsh were soothing.
Okay, well not all the calls and songs. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are not exactly what I would call musical when they call and sing. Descriptions of their calls and songs range from an “unmusical squawk” to a “screeching buzz, rather like a heavy door swinging on a very rusty metal hinge” which some people may find grating. I like the sounds they make although I still wouldn’t call their songs musical.
Spring Yellow-headed Blackbird male – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I found a very cooperative male Yellow-headed Blackbird perched in phrags on the west side of the auto tour route I stopped my Jeep to photograph him. After a few moments he flew in even closer to me than he was when I first approached him in the lovely morning light. There were a few times When I could barely fit his entire body in the frame. The light morning breeze bounced the blackbird and the fluffy seedheads of the phragmites around frequently.
Yellow-headed Blackbird male on a spring morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This male Yellow-headed Blackbird and the female Red-winged Blackbirds that were also in the same area were snatching midges from the phrags and from the air as they flew by. The midges are great bird food and they don’t bite humans.
Male Yellow-headed Blackbird on an April morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Just the few moments I had with this male Yellow-headed Blackbird in my viewfinder would have made the long drive to the refuge before sunrise worth it. I photographed other birds though and I am sure they will appear here on my site soon along with the stories behind them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-headed Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a wonderful collection of photographs. Thank you for sharing.
What an incredible series of shots! The colors, details and composition of each pic is extraordinary. And, the muted background sets off each shot perfectly. You’ve done it again Mia. Thanks.
That colour really pops doesn’t it.
As always, many, many thanks.
Beautiful. I love the warm light.
These are among my very favorite birds. Of course, they don’t show up here, unless they make a wrong turn during migration. We have to travel to enjoy their lovely song. Worth the trouble every time.
Cool photos Mia
Right place, right time, right subject – and RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER Mia! Great captures! Thanks for sharing !
A novice birder, I didn’t even know about Yellow-headed blackbirds. Loved your post—the photos and interesting details!
Really great photos. This is one of those situations where I don’t mind the sharp shadows of the foliage across the bird’s body – the lacy shadows of the phrags add to your composition. I first saw these birds on a trip through Nebraska, and couldn’t believe their intense color. Must have been fun to see them up close!
Wow!!
Wow! These are some outstanding photos. I love the soft smooth backgrounds and the super-sharp details of the phragmites with catchlights in the eye of the birds.