I saw this male Red-winged Blackbird perched in a Saltcedar on my last trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and felt I had to stop to photograph him.
Male Red-winged Blackbird perched in a Saltcedar – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Saltcedars are introduced shrubs that are also called salt cedar or tamarisk. Despite the invasive tendencies of this shrub, I loved the setting this blackbird was perched in. The delicate and lacy leaves provided a nice contrast to the sleek black plumage of the bird.
I had beautiful light on the blackbird that morning. In fact, the light was gorgeous throughout the entire morning and ideal for photographing my favorite subjects, which are the birds I find wherever I go.
Red-winged Blackbird male in a Saltcedar – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I saw Red-winged Blackbirds in many locations at the refuge that morning, but only this one was perched in a Saltcedar.
Just beyond my viewfinder, dozens of other blackbirds were foraging for breakfast in the marsh. Some of the males were even singing from the tops of frost-tipped phragmites. After photographing this male, I sat quietly in my Jeep, listening to their songs while my eyes absorbed the stunning scenery of the refuge.
It won’t be long before it snows, and the refuge will become quieter because fewer people will venture out onto the auto tour loop. I look forward to that time; I love the tranquility of winter at the refuge. This gorgeous oasis in the desert has come to mean quite a bit to me since I moved to Utah.
I hope that this refuge survives the impacts of climate change. If it doesn’t, that would be beyond tragic for the birds and animals at the refuge, and people as well.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful shots as always!
Saltcedar is new to me and I first read it (morning mind) as salt cellar. I am glad to have my confusion cleared up. A gorgeous shot – and I love the delicate tracery of those branches and leaves. You are right – it does set off the sleekness of the beautiful bird.
Love this winter plumage which we never see in Canada. Gorgeous photos Mia.
I have never seen that variation of color in quite that way. Lovely light, indeed.
This redwing, with it’s hint of red,
in a Saltcedar, with it’s hint of red.
Sublime