The common grackle is a member of the blackbird family although larger with iridescent feathering and striking yellow eyes. Grackles are resourceful and opportunistic foragers. The two shots of this grackle were taken moments apart and show the difference a well lit subject can make to a photograph. In the first photo the position of the bird caught the light to advantage, showing off its spectacular colouring; less so in the second example as the bird changed position. However, capturing the bird with a snack in its bill added some interest and made up for the less than perfect lighting.
March 15, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Definitely for a common black bird some consider a nuisance, it has uncommon iridescence !! Here’s Audubon’s take on the colors:
“The genial rays of sun shine on their silky plumage, and offer to the ploughman’s eye such rich and varying tints, that no painter, however gifted, could ever imitate them. The coppery bronze, which in one light shews its rich gloss, is, by the least motion of the bird, changed in a moment to brilliant and deep azure, and again, in the next light, becomes refulgent sapphire or emerald-green”
You really caught that image 1.
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March 15, 2016 at 5:01 pm
Thanks again!
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March 15, 2016 at 5:04 pm
🙂
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March 10, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Fabulous capture!
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March 10, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Thank you, I do like these birds.
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March 4, 2016 at 11:51 am
What an absolutely beautiful bird and a stunning capture!
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March 4, 2016 at 1:59 pm
Thank you, I think they’re remarkable birds.
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February 16, 2016 at 4:57 am
The first I have heard of a Grackle was tonight on a police comedy show…30 mins later I am looking at a blog post and find some good images of a Grackle…what co-incidence!, the longer black tail reminds me of our White Winged Coughs in Australia, more so than our Ravens or Currawongs…
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February 16, 2016 at 7:42 am
Good timing! BTW, this is the first I’ve heard of a White Winged Cough or a Currawong 😀
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February 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm
beautiful picture…!!
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February 15, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Thank you.
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February 15, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Nice captures; I’ve always loved grackles, though many dismiss them as “just blackbirds,” their coloring and foraging habits make them distinctive.
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February 15, 2016 at 1:40 pm
Thank you Eliza. I think they’re attractive birds and make for interesting viewing!
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February 15, 2016 at 9:45 am
Super photos!
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February 15, 2016 at 10:20 am
Thank you.
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February 15, 2016 at 9:41 am
I think grackles are one of the most under appreciated birds. Perhaps because they are not always viewed in the bright light like your first photograph. I really enjoyed both of your photos;-)
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February 15, 2016 at 10:19 am
Thank you so much. The right light can make all the difference.
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February 15, 2016 at 9:04 am
Beautiful shot! You captured it with its prey! ☺
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February 15, 2016 at 9:12 am
Thank you!
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February 15, 2016 at 9:25 am
You are welcome! ☺
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