Yellow-headed Blackbird male just before lift off, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahYellow-headed Blackbird male just before lift off – Nikon D810, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

To my delight the mechanical sounding calls of male Yellow-headed Blackbirds buzzed over the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday morning. I can’t honestly say their calls are pleasant but these blackbirds are easily identified by the sounds they make as well as by their bright yellow heads and black bodies.

The males are now displaying from the tops of cattails, rushes and phragmites to attract as many as 8 mates in his territory. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are larger and more dominant than the Red-winged Blackbirds that also nest on the refuge and they tend to take over the best nesting areas.

This Yellow-headed Blackbird was the first I have photographed this year but I know it won’t be the last of the season.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Yellow-headed Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.