Today, I’m sharing two very different winter Common Grackle images. One photo was taken on a snowy, foggy morning, and the other on a bright, sunny afternoon.
Winter Common Grackle in snow and fog – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 1000, +2.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Some people may prefer the grackle photo taken in bright light, while others may favor the snowy, foggy image of the Common Grackle. I happen to enjoy viewing them both.
I like the snowy grackle photo because of the bird’s pose, how well the grackle stands out against the pure white snow, and how, despite the low light, I can see the shades of blue and green on the bird’s face, head, and neck.
The colors stand out well because I adjusted the exposure for the snowy, low light conditions.
I also enjoy the look of the grackle’s face. He was simply staring up at the seed feeder.
Winter Common Grackle in bright light – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Five days later, when most of the snow had melted, I was delighted to photograph another Common Grackle on a bright, sunny afternoon. This grackle was foraging for food in the damp leaves and pine straw.
The low winter sun illuminated the iridescence of this grackle’s plumage beautifully. The pink and bronze, along with the blue-green on the back of his head, glowed in the light.
As a child and young woman, I was exposed to many different artists’ works in museums across Europe. I’m grateful for that exposure—it allowed me to learn about and appreciate various artists and styles of art, up close and personal.
I believe that might be a big reason why I can like, enjoy, and appreciate the differences light makes in my own photos and in the images of other bird and wildlife photographers.
Yes, life is good. So was being an Army Brat!
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Grackle photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love your narrative and the contrasting shots are fascinating. Thanks Mia.
I like the one in the snow and fog. Normally when I am in St George I see so many grackles. I only saw a couple. So unusual. Since they are scavengers and eat off the ground where other birds feces might be, especially ducks, I wonder if they are affected by HPAI?
I like them both. For sheer drama I probably prefer the one in the snow – though that might also be because at 4.30am it is already too hot for me here.
Hi Mia, I had ,what seemed to be, over 100 grackles in the tress of my yard. I’d never seen so many all together and the sparrows too looked pretty amazed as they sat on the fence and looked at one another.
Thanks for the information about grackles and photos