On my most recent trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I photographed an immature male Red-winged Blackbird perched on a corn stalk in a field.
Male Red-winged Blackbird perched on a corn stalk – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1250, +0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
That might not seem like a big thing, but for me, it kind of is.
Red-winged Blackbirds enjoy eating corn in unharvested fields during the fall and winter, and these two photos? They represent the first images of this species in my gallery where they are perched on corn stalks.
Young male Red-winged Blackbird at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/3200, ISO 1250, +0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I’ve photographed Red-winged Blackbirds eating wild and cultivated sunflower seeds. I’ve taken photos of them eating rabbitbrush seeds, greasewood seeds, picking ticks or insects off American Bison, and snatching midges out of the air.
I’ve photographed these blackbirds in many types of habitats too—just never in a cornfield before.
So, yes, it’s kind of a big thing for me.
At Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, farmers do plant crops in refuge fields. The refuge features a variety of habitats that help maintain its rich, healthy soils, including wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairies.
Wetlands are particularly beneficial, helping filter and enrich soil nutrients, while hardwood forests and prairies contribute organic matter and promote biodiversity, supporting soil health overall.
Each ecosystem plays a vital role in maintaining the refuge’s ecological balance and soil fertility.
There are still plenty of male Red-winged Blackbirds at the refuge, and I’m starting to see the females show up too. Some of them will nest here, while others will migrate to different breeding grounds.
Spring is creeping up on us. I saw a high of 82°F yesterday—almost time to put my winter coat in storage!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.