H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

The weather was fantastic yesterday, not very hot, bright and complemented by a soothing breeze. After doing some work at the yard. Sat on our deck and relaxed.

Watching some of the birds fly by and just enjoying the moment. Then in the late afternoon a flock of blackbirds landed around our bird feeders, at first I just dismissed the idea of shooting some pictures. but looking at them closer I noticed some differences and who would have known. There was a mix of blackbirds:

• Common Grackle
• European Starling
• Red-Winged Blackbird
• Brown-Headed Cowbird

It really made my day to observe them mingle with each other.

Today I’m adding the Common Grackle to my list of “My Backyard Visitors” 🙂 Sweet!

Red-Winged Blackbird (Male)

European Starling

Brown-Headed Cowbirds (Female & Male)

Common Grackle, Spc. Name: Quiscalus quiscula

• Description
  Common Grackles are large, lanky blackbirds with long legs and long tails. The head is flat and the bill is longer than in most blackbirds, with the hint of a downward curve. In flight, the wings appear short in comparison to the tail. Males are slightly larger than females.
  Common Grackles appear black from a distance, but up close their glossy purple heads contrast with bronzy-iridescent bodies. A bright golden eye gives grackles an intent expression. Females are slightly less glossy than males. Young birds are dark brown with a dark eye.
• Habitat
  Common Grackles thrive around agricultural fields, feedlots, city parks, and suburban lawns. They’re also common in open habitats including woodland, forest edges, meadows, and marshes.
  

  Common Grackle (Quiscalus Quiscula)