Last month, I was thrilled to photograph this displaying male Yellow-headed Blackbird in an urban park near my home in Salt Lake County, Utah.
Male Yellow-headed Blackbird displaying on grass – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In previous years, I hadn’t seen as many individuals of this blackbird species in my local park, so I was delighted to spot them there. The males were actively engaged in displaying, while the females I observed appeared to be busy searching for nesting locations.
The songs and calls of the male Yellow-headed Blackbirds grate on some people. I like hearing this species.
Serious looking male Yellow-headed Blackbird – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I enjoyed photographing this male Yellow-headed Blackbird up close and from a distance. I even liked taking photos of him when he wasn’t busy displaying. Some times he looked serious, there were even a few times he looked slightly comical because he was so serious looking.
It has been a delight having this blackbird species so close to home this year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-headed Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a beautiful Blackbird! He certainly rivals his R/W Blackbird cousin in dramatic plumage. Thanks Mia.
What a beauty. His call is not less melodious than some (most?) of our native birds. Definitely distinctive.
He’s so striking. What fun to have such an interesting subject to photograph.