After a very busy day yesterday, I decided to share a simple photo this morning of a male Red-winged Blackbird foraging in grasses at Farmington Bay WMA.
Red-winged Blackbird foraging in grasses on the ground – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had three rounds of snow blowing, shoveling, and scraping yesterday because of heavy snow accumulation in Salt Lake City which made it the second biggest February storm in the state’s recorded history and ninth over all biggest storm. The last time I measured the snow it showed 18 inches on the ruler.
Anyway, most of yesterday I spent dealing with snow. We need the moisture but I hope we don’t get any more snowstorms like we did yesterday for the rest of this winter.
Back to the Male Red-winged Blackbird
I took this photo of the male Red-winged Blackbird after I spotted it foraging in some grasses that had been knocked down by wind or snow. He had been poking his bill into the grass when I drove up to it almost two weeks ago. When I stopped my Jeep and locked my focus onto him he paused briefly and looked towards me and my Jeep. The male blackbird called once and then flew off with his back to me.
Days after my interaction with this blackbird at Farmington Bay WMA and while I was on my way to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge’s auto tour loop I saw thousands and thousands of blackbirds streaming north in low light. I could see the blackbirds to the north and the south for several miles. I couldn’t help but smile because I saw the ribbon of birds as a sign of spring. I’m so ready for spring birds!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.