birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel . birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel .

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.

Read More
birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel . birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel .

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.

Read More
birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel . birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel .

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.

Read More
birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel . birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel .

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.

Read More
birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel . birds, GitUp, photo Ostdrossel .

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.

Read More