I took these two male Brewer’s Blackbird portraits yesterday at my local pond. In one the blackbird was displaying, in the other he just looked funny to me.
Male Brewer’s Blackbird displaying portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The icy cold wind belied the fact that my local urban birds are acting as if spring has already sprung. This male Brewer’s Blackbird was displaying for a single nearby female. Or maybe he was performing a territorial display for the three other males in the area.
I know that the female had a handful of shiny male blackbirds pursuing her. She didn’t seemed too interested in any of them to be honest. She appeared more interested in looking for breakfast in the frosty grass. A gal has to eat I guess, feathered or not.
Male Brewer’s Blackbird head on portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Not long after I took the photo of the male Brewer’s Blackbird displaying he turned and looked towards me head on. With his bill pointed upwards and those ghostly yellow eyes looking straight at me I struggled to stop myself from laughing.
Obviously, I failed.
I laughed out loud. At least I was able to get a few sharp photos of him before he moved back towards the female who was paying him no mind.
It was great seeing the Brewer’s Blackbirds and taking photos of them. I don’t often see this species in urban habitats so I took advantage of them being close to home. I enjoy the challenges of photographing these dark birds every time I have them in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Mia
Click here to see more of my Brewer’s Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
I can’t get over how rich and deep the Blackbirds plumage is and the eye contact is wonderful. Thanks Mia.