Autumn Brewer’s Blackbird male on a sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While traveling the auto tour loop at Bear River MBR yesterday morning, I was thrilled to see an adult male Brewer’s Blackbird on an interpretive sign. Of course, I had to stop to photograph it. The Brewer’s Blackbird was my first of the fall season.
The smooth but monotonous background in my images of this bird was formed by the very dry, far-off Promontory Mountains. Those mountains are as dry as I have ever seen them.
Staring male Brewer’s Blackbird – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Brewer’s Blackbird did notice my presence and seemed to be wary about me at first. He looked directly at me for several moments from the top of the sign.
Brewer’s Blackbird male on an interpretive sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After a bit the blackbird seemed to ignore me and went about the business of being a bird. He walked to the edge of the sign and turned around to glance at something to the south of my Jeep.
Adult Brewer’s Blackbird male checking out his feet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And then he looked at his feet. This isn’t the first time I have photographed male Brewer’s Blackbirds looking intently at their feet. I have more images of them checking out their feet and I wonder why they do that.
Adult male Brewer’s Blackbird looking at his feet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Maybe they are inspecting their nails? I sure don’t know but I am curious about this behavior.
A few moments later a white van got close enough that the blackbird flushed, dove down to the ground and stared at the van from behind a ridge at the edge of the marsh. After thanking the blackbird I continued my journey around the loop at the refuge.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Brewer’s Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
What an fascinating series of shots! The iridescent green on the Blackbirds feathers is a bit surprising. I would have expected more of a blueish hue. Very interesting. Thanks Mia.
Maybe they’re stretching their neck and back (as opposed to looking at their feet). 🙂
Nice iridescence!
It seems that photographing an all-dark bird WELL is not an easy task. Thank you for illustrating it CAN be done! Love those eyes.
Love the iridescence. Sigh at the continuing dryness.