Although Red-winged Blackbirds are abundant in marshy areas around here, I had never tried to get a pic of one until today. I would have liked to get a bit of his face but he wasn't anxious to hang out with our little group --- we had a 4 year old and a one year old in tow. At least we didn't get attacked.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology says that "Male Red-winged Blackbirds fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territory defense. He chases other males out of the territory and attacks nest predators, sometimes going after much larger animals, including horses and people."
nice capture.....love the red patches on his wings. Once several years ago I was out walking & unknowingly stopped near a red-wing's nest. The male kept squawking at me until I finally figured out what he was upset about and moved on......and I was still several feet from the nest. He didn't 'attack' but was very persistent with his message to me!
Lovely detail of the black feathers, quite often hard to see black details. The red wings are beautiful against the black. Its amazing how they balance on seemingly very slender bits of wood or whatever.
What a great catch, Anne. I used to follow one that came to a tree in our yard several years ago. He came the same time every day for years and sang his heart out, then all the sudden he was gone and I haven't seen one in our yard since. His family used to come to the feeders, too. I love the way he is posed. Fav!
Gorgeous - instant fav. I only see them on the side of the roads on the way to the cottage. When I'm actually at the cottage - none to be seen. So I will enjoy your photo. :)
FAV! Anne, I love the detail on this. We have them in our area, too, but I have not been able to "shoot" one - they move too fast and I'm too impatient to sit and wait!
Anne, Beautiful capture of the red wing black bird. I'm still trying. If you don't mind I'll borrow your wording on comments and responses. Well worded. Thanks.
This is stunning, Anne! I love your composition and your focus is spot on (with grandkids in tow, no less!). I haven't seen one of these birds in years.
Superb shot, instant fav!