Photo of the Day: Screaming Redwing
More blackbirds for you today. I really like the composition of this one, and the contrast of the bird against the cattails. Or are they bull rushes? Are those the same thing, or is one an old world species and one a new world species? Something to look up later. This is actually the same bird as before. He let me follow him around all over the place, almost seeming to enjoy the attention.
Redwing blackbirds engage in territorial battles constantly. I didn't have a chance to snap any shots of birds in aerial combat, because it happens so quickly. Two birds get too close to one another and suddenly spiral up into the air, screeching and dancing. Nobody seems harmed by it, and one of the two backs off, flies across the pond and away from the other. Territory is won this way in many species.
I woke up this morning from a night of no dreams, and a layer of clouds had blotted out the sun. Everything was a little dimmer, darker, cooler today. I wanted to wander up to the ponds area for an hour or two with the camera, but alas, I had to get in to work.
It was remarkably still and quiet on the walk in to work, too. I did't hear birds, or construction, or many cars. There's something odd about a low cloud cover that acts as a kind of sound insulation on the world. Given how little sleep I got last night, I appreciated the quiet.