Brewer’s Blackbird checking out a fence post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I woke up this morning and looked at the window I could see that the road was wet and that there are thick clouds overhead. It is nice to get some autumn rains after such a long, dry summer. I looked back at some of the photos I have taken here in northern Utah at this time of the year and years ago snow had already fallen in the valley by this date but snow is coming later now than it used to. Yes, our climate is changing and it isn’t for the better.
Two days ago I had a male Brewer’s Blackbird in my viewfinder near Glover Pond in Davis County. I photographed him as he perched on a fence post with fall colors in the background. Typically in this area when I photograph birds on these posts I get the water of the pond or the sky in the background so I was happy to have these fall colors even if they were from invasive phragmites.
Male Brewer’s Blackbird plus the colors of fall – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Across the road there were lots and lots of Brewer’s and Red-winged Blackbirds bathing in a puddle but since the light was at a bad angle on those blackbirds I was content to focus on this male Brewer’s. The light on him showed the fine details in his dark plumage plus some of the iridescence these blackbirds are known for.
Male Brewer’s Blackbird looking at his feet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The male Brewer’s even made me chuckle out loud when he kept looking closely at his feet.
I have to say I probably should have spent far more time looking carefully at the flocks of blackbirds that morning because just yesterday a female Rusty Blackbird was spotted in this same area by Bryant Olsen and I have been hoping to see and photograph Rusty Blackbirds for a long time. They aren’t common here and the species as a whole is declining. I really hope I can see a Rusty Blackbird this fall, that would knock my socks off. I might need to park my Jeep in that area and camp out to find one.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Brewer’s Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
A truly beautiful bird. Echoing Marty – on all counts.
He’s probably not admiring his toes, so I wonder what he is looking at…NICE!!!
These are great shots — the foot thing is pretty amusing. Thank you for sharing your interest in the Rusty Blackbird. I got to have my education for the morning, as I don’t think I’ve ever heard of the species.
Glad you’ll be getting your phone back.