Tags
american goldfinch, bald eagle, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, canada geese, Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, photography, postaday, red-winged blackbird
The American Goldfinch stands out with its bright yellow coloring in Spring and Summer. The rest of the year, when they are not breeding, their colors are more subdued, even drab, although they still remain very cute.
Another ubiquitous bird is the Red-winged Blackbird.
The female Red-winged Blackbird does not have that red and yellow patch on her wings.
In the fall, Red-winged Blackbirds often join with European Starlings to form flocks of birds that roam through refuges, importuning even Bald Eagles.
The smaller birds temporarily took over a favorite perch of the Bald Eagles at Blackwater NWR.
Finallly, many flocks of Canada Geese flew over the non-migrating Bald Eagle.
Julie@frogpondfarm said:
Love love these birds .. that red winged black bird is a beauty
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neihtn2012 said:
Red-winged Blackbirds, especially the male ones, are beautiful with their red and yellow wing patches.
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bluebrightly said:
Fall is certainly here! The goldfinch is lovely, and it’s always fun to see blackbirds going after birds of prey – but it’s amazing that you were able to catch that moment.
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neihtn2012 said:
The blackbirds were mobbing the eagle, and when I took a shot that one happened to be flying right by the eagle’s head!
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Val said:
These are beautiful photos and beautiful birds, as ever.
It hadn’t occurred to me that you might have European Starlings there, flying with native birds. They’re another bird that changes in the different seasons: in winter they are dark with pale marking, in summer they are mostly shiny blue/green/purple black with irridescent specks. And as well as their own call, they imitate other birds…
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neihtn2012 said:
Starlings were brought over to North America in 1890 and have now spread out everywhere. Your description of it is very accurate, especially their talent for mimicry.
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bayphotosbydonna said:
Fantastic captures!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Donna!
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ekurie said:
I’d never seen red-winged blackbirds until I moved to coastal NC. They are in our wetlands primarily. They sound just like starlings. Beautiful clear photos, thank you.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! In the fall Red-winged Blackbirds and European Starlings often fly together, landing on the same bushes and trees, and I have to look carefully to distinguish between the two kinds.
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Amy said:
Always enjoy your bird images! Geese in flight, what a cool capture!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy! Canada Geese are fairly easy to photograph. There are so many of them!
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Jet Eliot said:
Thanks for taking us to Blackwater NWR, Hien. You reminded me that I saw one of my first wild great horned owls on one of these trees decades ago. And I am happy to see the refuge so alive with all these fine birds. Enjoyed the Forsythe birds too. Your photos, as always, are a joy to see, highlighting the beauty of each species. I have seen many blackbirds in my life (thankfully), but never a female so stunning as your photo here. The blackbirds mobbing the bald eagle gave me a smile.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jet! I am glad some of these photos bring back memories for you. Did you live on the East Coast then?
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Jet Eliot said:
No, I have never lived on the east coast, but I have had the pleasure of many visits there.
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AmyRose🌹 said:
Every time I come here to view your work, Hien, I cannot get over how clear your images are nor how gorgeous! OMGosh! Incredible pictures!! You really must show your photography! Just wow!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you very much Amy!
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AmyRose🌹 said:
So welcome!!
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meta73 said:
The female red-wing blackbird is so totally different from her mate. But her feathers are really very beautiful. Next time I see a red-wing blackbird I know now to look for the female. I did not know there was so much difference between the two.
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neihtn2012 said:
The female is not often visible, leaving the spotlight to the male which flies on top of bushes and trees, singing and defending its territory against perceived intruders. She usually stays nearer to the ground, minding her business.
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Emma Cownie said:
Beautiful shots, especially like the flying geese. You caught them beautifully!
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neihtn2012 said:
You wouldn’t believe how many geese there were. Every few minutes a skein would fly overhead, and if you miss one, there will always be another shortly.
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T Ibara Photo said:
Beautiful photos, all of them!
I love how the red-winged blackbird is “photo-bombing” the bald eagle🦅😃😄
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Takami!
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katelon said:
What a lineup of birds to photograph! Great photos.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Katelon!
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rabirius said:
Fantastic bird pictures.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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quietsolopursuits said:
While I prefer to see the goldfinches wearing their summer colors because that means that it’s warm outside, I like their muted tones over the winter almost as much. Your wonderful images of them show that off very well. And no matter what time of year it is, it’s always good to hear them.
I loved all the other images as well, especially the fearless RWB harassing the eagle.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jerry! The Goldfinches come to our bird feeder, sometimes as many as 10 at a time. They are a delight to watch all year round. Those RWB are really fearless, even against birds much bigger than them.
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Eliza Waters said:
Great captures, Hien. I find goldfinches to be so sweet and am glad to have them year round. The red wings we only see in spring and summer. They are my harbinger of spring.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Eliza! The Juncos have made their appearance and will be around until March, April.
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Mz&Cho said:
Such beautiful captures!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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Cee Neuner said:
Your photos are always a pleasure to see. Excellent as always 😀
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you very much, Cee!
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