Wednesday, April 18, 2012

3 Kinds of Blackbirds Baked in a Pie

Nah, not really. I suspect that pie would be gross. Anyhow, while out exploring the west Phoenix farmland I came across a little area where three of the five North American Blackbirds were living it up in the evening light. I really enjoy seeing family/groups all together (that doesn't just go for birds). Alas, there was no Rusty Blackbird around, and the Tri-Coloreds never seem to stray from the California coast. Even so, three Blackbirds is a good number of Blackbirds, especially when they're so pretty.

Here, listen to the Beatle's Blackbird song too. It seems only appropriate.

First up was the Red-Winged Blackbird, harbinger of spring and soon-to-be relentless loud-mouth of riparian lands all across America. This stud was calling from some marshy plants near a dairy farm where one can also find lots of Yellow-Headed Blackbirds.


The Yellow-Headed BBs can be consistently found at the farm, but their exact location is contingent on which section of cows are being fed. Unfortunately, this schedule often places them on the wrong side of the sun in the evening. Oh, the injustices with which we must put up as birders...


There were also some small flocks of Brewer's Blackbirds in the area. I really like these birds, but they're unlucky in having such attractive cousins. Though beautiful in their own right, they're the relatively ugly ones of the bunch.


The male Blackbirds all have stunning visual appeal, but it was this rather drab female, eager for some attention too, who gave me the best view. I really like the symmetrical feather detail that came out in her portrait. Durable, warm, beautiful...though they look as thin as tissue paper, these feathers will carry the Blackbird hundreds and hundreds of miles.


Here, just to round things off, is the Rusty Blackbird seen in Anthem (N. Phoenix) autumn of 2011.


Only one more Blackbird to go. Hopefully I'll get a chance to try for the Tri-Colored soon.

17 comments:

  1. I hope you get a chance at the Tri-colored soon Laurence, I'd love to see and photograph a Rusty Blackbird!

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  2. These are beautiful and one of my lifers would definitely be the yellow-headed Blackbird:)

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    1. Well hey Cynthia, if you're ever down in Phoenix, I now know a spot where you can see them by the hundreds!

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  3. The females of the world thank you for the lovely portrait of the female Brewers Blackbird. The feather detail is awesome, I'm sure she would agree.

    Also, remind me to never dine with you...lol

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    1. Hehe thanks Peggy. I guess I'll just have to keep the cuisine simple...wouldn't want to scare away anybody.

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  4. Look at you, nonchalantly noting the reliability of Yellow-headed's, when nary a month ago they were the nemesis-du-jour. Pretty soon you'll be tripping over them - that's the kind of nemesis bird I need!

    An excellent study in black(bird).

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    1. Tis' true tis' true. Already I feel stuffed and sated with my Yellow-Heads (not really, I still don't even have a good picture). Time and Fate...they make fools of us all.

      I thought you, as a Hipster, might be able to sympathize. I mean, the birds were really neat when they were uncommon, were rare, were indie. Now it's a mainstream bird for me. What am I to do? Help Dr. Martens!!

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  5. I was at the wetlands earlier this evening and the loud-mouth RWBB songs were about all I heard...The Yellow-Headed BBs are quite stunning; I would like to catch sight of one of these fellows someday. Thanks for sharing these great photos.

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    1. Thanks Tammy. I'm not nearly satisfied with my Yellow-headed photos yet; it's really an area where I need to do justice to the bird and represent it properly.

      If you ever end up in Arizona, now I know a good place!

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  6. I suspect your right....that pie would taste nasty. I list the 3 you mention in the following categories....1:) The most entertaining. Brewer's definitely. 2) Most stunning and sexy. The Yellow Headed Ones. And they put on a great acrobatic show in the bunches at sunset. 3) Most stunning voices. The Red Wings. Now the voices may irritate or annoy some but for me....it calms me down rather quickly after a stressful day. Great post.

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    1. Hey Chris that's a great breakdown--I'm going to have to steal that Blackbird evaluation and use it in bird conversations in the future, because I totally agree.

      What about the Rusty? I guess I'd nominate it for most humble and reserved...a rather dubious award given its counterparts.

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    2. I'd label it "The most overlooked" or "Mislabeled":)

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    3. mmm Mislabeled. That's for true.

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  7. I need to proof better before hitting send......I meant "you're".

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  8. All lovely! Sure would love to see a yellow headed BB :)

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I had to wait for years, but it was worth it!

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