Today, I am tickled to share three male Common Grackle photos. I took these images in my friend Steve Creek’s yard during my visit to Arkansas last month.
Common Grackle male with a surprised look – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 4000, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
The grackles weren’t as cooperative as some of the birds in Steve’s yard; in fact, they were quite skittish. I missed quite a few shots of the Common Grackles because, by the time I focused on these shiny black birds, they had already flown off.
However, it was hot in Arkansas while I was there, and I knew the grackles were frequently flying in to the birdbath to get sips of water. So, I kept a watchful eye for them at the birdbath.
That strategy proved successful when a male grackle landed on the birdbath shortly after a brief rainstorm. I was prepared, and I enjoyed the surprised look that seemed to be reflected in the grackle’s expression.
Adult male Common Grackle on a birdbath – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 5000, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
I’ve only found Common Grackles once in Utah, about three years ago. Unfortunately, the images I captured of that grackle weren’t as sharp as I would have liked due to heat wave distortion. However, because I spotted and pointed out that grackle to a friend, they were able to add it to their lifer bird list.
I’d seen and photographed this species while I lived in Florida so the Common Grackle I found in Utah wasn’t a lifer bird for me.
Male Common Grackle in Arkansas – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 2000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
Two days after I photographed the male Common Grackle in the first two images above, I had another opportunity with a male Common Grackle at the birdbath. The lighting I had wasn’t the best because of clouds, but I enjoyed having the grackle in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Grackle photos plus facts and information about this species.
Those eyes are something, indeed! Glad you got to spend so much time with interesting birds.
That iridescence is what catches my eye. Gorgeous. And yes Steve’s yard birds would keep me enthralled for a very long time.
Great images, you are making me very jealous of Steve’s yard birds!
Last week we had a huge flock that stayed around two or three days. Seems odd that they would be migrating. We very seldom have them up on the mountain.