Yellow-headed Blackbird male preening on a cattail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share a five image series of a male Yellow-headed Blackbird that I photographed in the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this morning that I took the second week of May.
In just a few seconds this blackbird preened, called, displayed, sang and called some more while perched on a cattail in the marsh and I felt lucky to take images of it while I was on the phone with my oldest son and to share what I was seeing with him while I took photos of the blackbird.
I took a cell phone image of that area of the marsh and sent it to my son while I was talking to him along with a back of the camera snap of the bird.
Click on the first photo below for a slide show.
Because of technology I was able to share what I was seeing and doing with my son who lives in North Carolina almost instantly using my cell phone. Even 15 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to do that. Isn’t technology wonderful?
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-headed Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Fascinating series. I’ve seen plenty of red-winged blackbirds in my time, but never a yellow-headed blackbird. Great set Mia, thanks.
Great slide show with lots of action! Once saw a very large flock covering a tree at Bosque del Apache in New Mexico. From a distance the tree looked as if decorated with gold medallions.
He’s a beaut! Glad you were able to share the moment with your son. 🙂
Yet another beauty about which I knew nuffin.
Many thanks.
I get a smile on my face as I remember the call of the Yellow-headed blackbird; they are beautiful to see and I was missing them as I took images of the red-wing yesterday. I remember when my friend called me from a phonebooth on a mountain as she took a pause from skiing-I thought that was something special that took me momentarily to the mountain! Being able to send a photo just as you see the bird is something too, a gesture that brings people together even when miles apart.
Dominant male behavior – beautiful blackbird! Wonderful how an image of a bird one doesn’t normally see brings back wonderful and fun memories!
Is your son a birder?
Many thanks for sharing Mia.
Yes, technology is wonderful….until something goes wrong! Beautiful bird. Beautiful photos.