When my day starts with snow, an owl hooting in the pitch dark, and a smile on my face, I expect magic. Yesterday, that magic was a Rusty Blackbird in the snow.
Low light Rusty Blackbird in snowy conditions – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 1000, +2.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 371mm, natural light
Hearing the owl hooting before the sun came up was why I was smiling. Any day I hear, see, or photograph owls is a great day.
My day got even better when I spotted a dark bird-shaped form on the snow in the low light. I scoped the bird with my lens, and my pulse started racing.
A Rusty Blackbird was moving toward the seed feeder, and I got busy trying to keep the blackbird in focus while taking photos as it moved toward me through the snow.
I am fairly certain this Rusty Blackbird is an adult female. But, if I am wrong, please don’t hesitate to correct me. I want to learn.
It’s important to expose birds in snow properly, or the images can turn out poorly. My White Balance was set to Auto, and I bumped my exposure setting up to +2.3 so the snow appeared white, not gray, and the bird was well-exposed.
I took hundreds of images of this Rusty Blackbird because it was only my second time seeing this species through my viewfinder. My first time was in northern Utah a few years ago. I’m certain I will share more photos of this bird another day.
Rusty Blackbirds have become uncommon, even within their normal range, because this species is in serious decline. Their populations have dropped by 85% to 98% over the past 40 years.
Having this Rusty Blackbird drop by during a snow event in Arkansas felt magical to me. I hope to see more of these blackbirds soon!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my Rusty Blackbird photo gallery plus facts and information about this species.
Rusty blackbirds are a firsty for me. I had never heard of them before your post. Great shot. The eye contact is wonderful. Sorry to read that they are endangered. Seems like that happens more and more frequently these days. Thanks Mia.
You introduced me to a new species I had never heard of. Got to get out of California one of these days! Thanks, Mia.
Wonderful shot, Mia! Stay warm.
Great image under tough lighting conditions!
Definitely magical – and beautiful images too.