Birds are wonderful
photo subjects for all kinds of reasons, but there are some with which I am always hoping for certain things to happen and capture. Right now, the Redwinged Blackbirds are in perfect constant near-explode mode, which results in the most hilarious but also most gorgeous photos.
I always like it
when birds look distinguishable, have odd markings or behavior that I recognize. This Red-winged Blackbird seems to be growing new wings on his shoulders, and I think it looks really cool and dramatic how the sheaths are slowly turning into real feathers. He did like to present himself properly, too.
We are in the middle
of typical April weather chaos, with a tornado watch today and thunderstorms the other night, and it sometimes feels like the change or air pressure just whips all the male birds into more of a frenzy. The Redwinged Blackbirds are competing vocally as well as visibly, and I love how they are somewhat goofy but also super elegant.
Redwinged Blackbirds are interesting
Redwinged Blackbirds are interesting to me because they are one of the harbingers of spring, they carry the German flag and a Pearl Jam song on their feathers, they have an interesting song and they are feisty when they defend a nest. They are also very beautiful, and the females none less than the males. In recent days, I have seen females a lot all over the yard and feeders, so there were good opportunities to get photos. I love the faint red on their shoulders.
So much is happening
with clock changes, temperatures rising and spring arriving. I am pumped for the week!
A Red-winged Blackbird
is showing off his pretty epaulets. They are not all deep red, and I sometimes use the wing patches as a way to distinguish the various individuals that come visit my yard. Right now, they also come to the bird bath a lot, bringing females and young ones.