Hatch year male Red-winged Blackbird in a Russian Olive – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago I spent just a few moments focused on a hatch year male Red-winged Blackbird perched in an Russian Olive tree near Glover Pond here in Utah. This blackbird and others that were in the introduced olive tree were mostly preening and looking around. This young male had taken a brief break from preening when I took this image.
The olive tree setting is a little messy with all of the branches and leaves but I liked how well he and his dark plumage stood out from the pale leaves of the olive. The young male blackbird looks so perky in this photo.
I would have liked to have stayed longer and photographed more of the blackbirds in this tree but something flushed them. There were more blackbirds on the other side of the road that I wanted to check out however the light angle on those birds was simply awful.
So far birds are harder for me to find this fall in almost all of the locations that I go to when I am out in the field. I’m hoping that the change of weather in the forecast in the next week will mean more birds for me to find and photograph. I am not holding my breath though.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
I echo EC in the hopes that the change in weather means more birds crossing your path. Some days have been eerily quiet here as well.
I hope next week (and the weeks to come) is MUCH better for birds and birding. And thank you for my daily dose of delight.
Oh my goodness. The little Blackbird is so sweet. Never seen a young one looking like that before. Thanks for the posting. Take care.