When bringing in the wash this afternoon, a
Baltimore Oriole was singing amid the crabapple blossoms in the tree at the side of our home - spectacular!
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| Baltimore Oriole |
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| Baltimore Oriole |
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| Baltimore Oriole |
Meanwhile, the courtship among the
Evening Grosbeaks has been hot and heavy, perhaps due to there being (by my count) an extra male vying for the hand of a lady ...
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| Evening Grosbeak displaying |
The courtship stepped up a notch today. Besides demonstrating his overall sexiness through displaying, the males have had to demonstrate that they know what to do when a youngster begs for food ... feeding of females has been more noticeable this year than in any previous year.
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| "Feed Me," she says. |
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| "Now." |
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| ("Perhaps he will know what to do with my young.") |
The
Indigo Bunting continues to appear off and on, and is heard singing in nearby trees.
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| Indigo Bunting |
Few people will put the Common Grackle in the spectacular category, but the iridescence of the bronzed body and purple head are breathtaking this time of year. And if anyone reading this says that they don't like blackbirds, remember that blackbirds (Icterids) include grackles, red-wings, and Northern Oriole.
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| Common (Bronzed) Grackle |
Good Birding!
Nice post, Chris. I was just watching some black cowled orioles today. Would love to see an indigo bunting again!
ReplyDeleteNice post -- it sounds like you have lots a wonderful birds around your home. Really sharp photos -- barbaara
ReplyDeleteStunning-- the crabapple tree made for especially beautiful shots! I thoroughly enjoyed the commentary for the Evening Grosbeaks :)
ReplyDeleteThe orioles often take the spotlight over the other blackbirds. I love an oriole as much as the next person, but the luster of a Common Grackle or Brewer's Blackbird is--like you said-- absolutely breathtaking!
With birds like that you don't even need to leave the house!
ReplyDeletegorgeous birds… I love the way you have caught them interacting.
ReplyDelete