Preening Brewer’s Blackbird – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I have been seeing plenty of blackbirds lately at Farmington Bay WMA and a few days ago I photographed this preening Brewer’s Blackbird on a fence post. This male appeared less colorful than the other males nearby, in fact he seemed rather drab compared to them. According to Sibley’s Guide to Birds drab males are rare and this one sure didn’t look like the normal, glossy males that I am used to seeing. Then again this might be a hatch year male who hasn’t fully developed its adult plumage yet.
I always scan the flocks of blackbirds hoping to find a Rusty Blackbird because they are uncommon and it would be a lifer for me.
Yesterday I photographed a male preening in a Russian Olive and I hope to post one of those images soon. I really liked how the elliptical leaves framed him but I didn’t have time to process any of those images last night.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are common and widespread and can be found any where from parking lots in cities, farm fields and in wide open areas where they feed on seeds and insects. I wouldn’t exactly say their call is lovely, to me it sounds more like a squeaky swing on a child’s playground set.
Still, I do think these blackbirds are lovely and because they are a challenge to expose correctly I enjoy photographing them every chance I get.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Brewer’s Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
fabulous capture of this beauty !!
Our blackbirds have yellow beaks to match their eyes. And I have a weakness for all of the black birds, and animals…
Nice bird and beautiful photo 🙂
One of my favorite birds Mia. I think it’s the yellow eyes that get me everytime:)
Your format has changed…do you know that??? Is it OK with you????
I think he needs a comb…or brush. I raised a Rusty Blackbird years ago…I was told it couldn’t be a Rusty Blackbird (too rare around here), but that’s what he turned out to be…