Singing male Red-winged Blackbird at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/250, ISO 250, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed this singing male Red-winged Blackbird earlier this month while enjoying the marshes and wetlands of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Perched on the top of a phrag the blackbird sang with such exuberance that I felt I had to stop. Listen to him. Photograph him. Relish seeing him.
Red-winged Blackbirds are year round residents where I live in northern Utah. It would have been easy to pass on by this bird because these blackbirds are so abundant. Obviously I didn’t. I couldn’t drive by when he was singing. His song was a reminder to me that spring is on the way. In my mind thoughts of warmer temps, longer days and spring migration were woven into the fabric of his song.
Speaking of singing…
Today is the birthday of my youngest son, Chris. When Chris was very young he sang a lot. He made up songs and sang while he played. He even sang as he drifted off to sleep. I could nearly always tell where he was because of his songs. He sang inside and outside. As Chris grew older he sang songs I knew well. In his bedroom. Out in the garden. Anywhere the mood struck him. When I didn’t hear him singing or humming a tune that was when I would check on him to make sure that he was okay. It was always a joy to hear Chris singing.
Chris is grown up now with a family of his own. It may be Chris’s birthday but on this day I received one of the best gifts ever. Him.
Happy Birthday, sweetheart, I love you. Keep singing. I wish you joy and happiness. I also wish I were close enough to bake you a Red Velvet cake.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wow! Such rich colors playing against a perfect muted background. Great composition. Thanks Mia.
Happy Birthday, Chris..What a wonderful memory you gave to your mom…👏👍❤️
Happy birthday to Chris!
I like the nearly spherical position of the bird and wings, as well as the feather definition. Happy birthday to Chris!
May you and your son continue to enjoy the blessings of a long life.
And this image was exactly what was needed to boost my spirits this morning. Thanks so much, Mia.
I usually hear Red-winged Blackbirds by now when they arrive back in Niagara but I haven’t heard them yet. To me they are THE sign that spring is around the corner. Happy Birthday to your son, Chris.
Great image (and a nice reflection on your son).