Two days ago, not long before I became involved with the new developments at Farmington’s Great Blue Heron rookery, I spent some up-close time with a male Red-winged Blackbird that seemed determined to show off his best side while he was strutting his stuff.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
When I first approached him he had his back to me. But as soon as I got him in my viewfinder he turned broadside to me in the warm morning light, cocked his head slightly my way and held this dandy pose for long enough to allow me quite a few photos.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Then he started singing in the typical exaggerated display of the species. I took a lot of shots of him displaying, too many really, so eventually I mostly just watched him through my viewfinder.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
After quite a while he turned on his perch to give me this pose – one I’ve always liked because it shows off the reds of their epaulets so well. The problem with this mostly head-on shooting angle of a pitch-black bird is getting a good exposure on the blacks, details in the face and bill and a catch light in the eye. This is about the best I’ve done.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Then he turned back pretty close to his original posture and gave me some more singing photos. This time I liked his slight head turn better and I think being able to see through the ends of his wing primaries makes the photo more interesting.
That morning there was a fascinating vocal battle going on between two species of black birds, one that I wish I’d thought to take photos of. Hundreds of male Red-winged Blackbirds and an almost equal number of American Crows were massed together in a line of trees near the north end of the refuge. The two species seemed to be competing with each other to see which one could make the most noise. It was a delight to watch. And to listen to.
Besides lamenting the fact that I didn’t take any photos, I wish I’d thought to shoot some video – with sound of course.
Next time.
Ron
Notes on the epaulets of Red-winged Blackbirds:
Male Red-winged Blackbirds, especially in breeding plumage, are well known for having flashy red epaulets on their wings. But they’re less well known for the yellow that borders the red on the wrist (bend) of the wing. That yellow can be seen in three of these photos.
Interestingly, males in some California and Mexico populations completely lack the yellow border.
Handsome bird, for sure! Love the face-on shot with those red epaulets! You did a great job getting detail in the potential photon sink of all those black feathers. I like being able to see those golden feathers too.
Saw some smaller black birds in our Liquid Amber tree yesterday and thought I might get lucky, but nope. Lots of vocalizing, but no flashes of red. 🙁
Thanks, Marty. “Thought I might bet lucky, but nope” – that was the story of my morning today.
These images are superb.
Thank you, Gary.
Some of these are the best Red-winged Blackbird photos I have ever seen. I will never ever be able to take another one myself knowing that it will fall so far short of these. Outstanding colors, sharpness, lighting, and good catch-eye – not easy in black birds.
“I will never ever be able to take another one myself knowing that it will fall so far short of these.”
Thanks, Everett but don’t say that. When we see photos from others that are better than our own (happens to me all the time) I think it’s best to consider them inspiration to keep on trying. And improving.
The yellow distal coverts and splayed primaries are wonderful, but the red epaulets in the third photo are revelatory.
Looking at these photos is the best thing I’ve done in February so far. And yes, I do have a life.
Lyle, your comment email came in while I was out shooting this morning, with little success, which kinda put me in a grumpy mood. Reading the last part of your comment cheered me up. Thanks for that.
I’m sure that your “with little success” would be a banner day for a lot of us! 💜
He is a brilliant specimen, no wonder you spent so much time with him! I love all these images, but I confess I’m most fond of the penultimate with his flashy red epaulets, which I can imagine are actually a velvet cape draped across his shoulders and down his back. The only thing missing is a gold medal pinned to his beautiful, puffy black chest! 🏅
“The only thing missing is a gold medal pinned to his beautiful, puffy black chest!”
Chris, that made me visualize what you described. And smile.
Hi Ron, so nice to see you out and about providing us with beautiful photos and updates on the birdly doings in your area! These are wonderful photos! I think the best is the last one for the reasons you mention. The third photo shows Mr. RWBB sporting an outfit that is perfect for the red carpet at the Grammy Awards.
Kathryn, the 4th photo is my favorite too.
I see that people have already said this, but… I never tire of these birds. And the frothy, fluffy background is a perfect backdrop for this gorgeous fellow. This is one of those days when I really wish you had audio with your pictures, Ron. 😃 Thanks. Great series.
I’m glad you appreciate the background, Ellen.
Maybe I should have included a sound link in this post.
One of my favorite bird calls. For several years I have heard them in the Sugarhouse area. I thought I was imagining the sound until two years ago. I found a couple on my bird feeder and watched where they flew. There are just enough reeds at the side of the lake at Forest Dale Golf Course to provide nesting for them. Fun to have them in the middle of the city.
Betty, I also used to see them in my yard occasionally when I lived in Sugarhouse (immediately southwest of the old Granite Furniture). Found a porcupine on my front porch once too. Blew me away.
The bird is fantastic but what caught me was the setting. The contrast really works!
Thanks, Bruce. That fairly extreme contrast is one of the several reasons these photos were such a difficult exposure.
They ARE a beautiful bird – do NOT enjoy listening to them in the yard…. 😉
Sounds like too much of a good thing, maybe…
Those frosty white phrag plumes are the perfect foil to frame the brilliantly
contrasting blacks, golds, and scarlets of your magnificent subject…….. I
think that these are the most stunning images of the red-winged blackbird
that I’ve ever seen. What a visual treat– and what an accomplishment,
given the value contrast that you were dealing with– not a detail missing–
congrats !
Very much appreciated, Kris. I think some of them are among my best photos of the species.
Great detail, not only of the epaulets, but also of the black feathers, which add dynamic action.
Thank you, Kenneth.