Photo of the Day: Calling Redwing Blackbird
I would be ecstatic about this photo if I hadn't had to crop it 100% because I just don't have the lens power to get this close without scaring an animal away. Still, I'm pretty happy with the results. This guy did let me get rather close. For some reason, redwing blackbirds don't have as big of a fear as people as herons do. I'm still chasing a good heron photograph, but I think I'm going to have to buy a portable duckblind to get that shot.
The bright red patches that these birds have is very uncommon in North American species, I think, and the fact that it is so common is probably why they have it, as it really stands out among the reeds. Only males have these shoulders, as you might know.
I need to remember why tropical birds are more colorful in general. I seem to think it has something to do with general levels of comparative diversity? Ugh. My migraine is really slowing down my brain today, even though this new medication is helping.