The Dickcissels are back for their breeding season at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this week, I photographed this adult male Dickcissel singing on a cornstalk in nice morning light.
Adult male Dickcissel singing on a cornstalk – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1000, +0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 371mm, natural light
It was fun to listen to this male singing from the top of an old cornstalk, not far from the auto tour route at the refuge.
Male Dickcissels are chunky, sparrow-sized birds with grayish heads, bright yellow lines above their eyes, and bold black V-shaped patches on their yellow chests. Their backs are brown with dark streaks, and they have distinctive chestnut patches on their shoulders. Their bills are thick and pale.
During the breeding season, males are easy to spot as they perch on tall grasses or fence posts, loudly singing their sharp, buzzy “dick-dick-ciss-ciss-ciss” songs to attract mates and defend their territories. The species was named for that song.
I tried to take a video of what I believe was the same Dickcissel much earlier in the morning while it was singing, but there wasn’t enough light at the time. I hope I get the chance to record this species in better light.
Any time I have a Dickcissel in my viewfinder, I’m one happy woman.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Dickcissel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Not a bird I have heard of, much less seen. Thank you.