While I was at my local pond yesterday, a male Yellow-headed Blackbird flew in close enough to me that I was able to take a few portraits of him. If you have followed me at On The Wing Photography for even a little bit of time, you already know I can’t resist these close ups of my subjects.
Pondside male Yellow-headed Blackbird close up – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed a male Yellow-headed Blackbird while it was displaying and calling. While their calls and songs are truly not melodious, I find them interesting and enjoy hearing them.
Urban male Yellow-headed Blackbird portrait – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f10, 1/500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was able to take these portraits of the male Yellow-headed Blackbird with several different backgrounds because he moved around. The light was great and so was this cooperative blackbird. In fact, I was thrilled with how cooperative this bird was.
Urban male Yellow-headed Blackbird up close – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f13, 1/200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This year I am seeing more Yellow-headed Blackbirds at my local pond than I have in previous years. I am enjoying them and the opportunities I have had with them.
Yesterday morning I took other photos of the male blackbirds I found. I hope to share some of those images at a later date. In the meantime, please enjoy these intimate looks at a wonderful and fascinating member of the blackbird family.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-headed Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful shots of a bird I never get to see in person. I do occasionally see Red-Winged Blackbirds, but never these guys. The first shot reminds me of those portraits of men from the 30s, 40s, and 50s in which they’re sort of “leaning into the frame.” (Joseph Cotten’s Wikipedia page has an example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cotten )
How very, very beautiful. I always love your portraits as they give me a much more intimate look at the birds. Thank you.
Beautiful portraits. I love it when they get so into singing they fall over backwards when they do the head tilt.
Never have seen one with a yellow head. Maybe if one was seen in Florida, I might get to see one because I live north of De Soto park. .
Interesting blackbird. We don’t have that type here in Atlantic Canada that I have ever seen so I am wondering if those white markings evident on his wing, evident in the 2nd shot are normal or an example of leucism? Nice sharp portraits indeed.
Granny Pat, the white markings you mentioned are normal.
Here is a full body image of one of the males yesterday displaying on the grass as an example of their whole body plumage.
I wish we had them here. They are beautiful. Fantastic shots.
Liz, they are mostly western birds but they show up in strange locations. One was found yesterday at my old haunt at Fort De Soto in Florida. Keep an eye out for one!