This morning, I’m sharing one photo that I took of the Red-winged Blackbird murmurations I saw on my last trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Red-winged Blackbird murmuration – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 360mm, natural light
The light wasn’t ideal, but I made do with the conditions I had. What I really wanted to highlight was the sheer mass of birds in just a small section of the murmuration. I wouldn’t even try to estimate how many blackbirds were in this area of the refuge, let alone in this single frame.
I know the majority of the blackbirds in this image are Red-winged Blackbirds, but there may be Common Grackles, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Rusty Blackbirds mixed in with the flock. Even though I carefully looked through the larger, original file to spot any of those species, I gave up after a little while—there were just too many birds.
I also attempted several videos of blackbird murmurations, but the wind noise was extremely annoying, and holding the camera by hand resulted in many jittery videos. Those will be deleted.
The thing is, I really, really love taking photos of bird murmurations. Whether they are shorebirds like phalaropes, European Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds, or other bird species, these murmurations mesmerize and fascinate me.
The murmurations are visual and, quite often, auditory delights. Even when the birds aren’t calling, the whoosh of their wings when or if they fly overhead tickles my auditory senses.
These blackbirds were calling, and I could hear the sound of their wings from a distance as well.
While I wish the light had been better last week, I know large flocks of blackbirds will be hanging around the refuge for some time yet. Hopefully, I will have more chances to photograph and video them in the weeks to come.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Leave A Comment