The male Red-winged Blackbird intimidates his rivals and turns on the ladies with the brilliant display of his red epaulets. A photographic goal for this Spring is to capture first rate images of that display by a perched bird and one in flight.
The spring-like weather makes us think that the birds should be feeling as frisky as we do. But, it is still very early. The Red-wings are singing, but their epaulet display is still rather subdues, as though they are just warming up. Here are three early photos. The first is not a "display flight," but is the one I like best. The next two are perched males singing, but with half-hearted display.
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| "Taking Flight" - Red-winged Blackbird |
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| Red-winged Blackbird - singing male |
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| Red-winged Blackbird - singing male |
While stalking the blackbirds yesterday, this Northern Mockingbird distracted me. There was no singing, but I enjoyed the sassy stance ...
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| Northern Mockingbird |
I would like to describe the next photo as a joyous stretch in celebration of Spring's advent ...
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| "Ah Spring!" - Northern Mockingbird |
... but the fact is, he was stretching for a berry.
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| "Carry-out Lunch" - Northern Mockingbird |
Finally, I visited Ravensnest. Three chicks are in the nest. Even with the 400mm lens, it is a long shot across the quarry and significant cropping, so this is what I term a "documentation photo" ...
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| Ravensnest - Common Raven hatchlings |
Good Birding!!
