Autumn Red-winged BlackbirdAutumn Red-winged Blackbird – Nikon D810, f11, 1/200, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Last week I photographed this male Red-winged Blackbird on the top of a cattail from the side of the road. I was only able to get a few images before this blackbird flew away. I like the autumn colors in the background, how the light fell on the blackbird and how I can see the brownish tones of his iris. I also like this composition because of the straight line created by the cattail and the softness created by the curves of the blackbird.

There are large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge right now feeding on the seeds of the common sunflowers that are found along the road and out in the fields. They also appear to be feeding on the seeds of the thistles that are mixed in with the sunflowers. Although most of the Yellow-headed Blackbirds have migrated I will be able to see some of the male Red-winged Blackbirds throughout the winter, the females seem to disappear until spring but research has shown that the females and hatch year birds migrate about 140 miles further than the males do.

Life is good. Embrace it today.

Mia

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

(I messed up, originally I said this was taken at Farmington Bay WMA, it was actually taken at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge)