ComingsBirds.com

to the beauty of birds

American Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos are often considered the dregs of the bird world. My wife even said, "You don't want to take a picture of that its just a crow." However, all birds can be beautiful. I was pleased with the photo of a crow just taking flight (3762) at the Arboretum, Arcadia, CA., and especially pleased with picture (8724), taken on the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, because of the striking detail of the feathers and head. See, even crows can be beautiful.

I have been enamored with the Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus ever since my teenage birding years. They are common in any swampy area. While walking wooden boardwalk at Mono Lake, Lee Vining, CA, this Red-wing (5580) was standing on the rail waiting to have its picture taken. The other (7713) was photographed at Del Apache National Wildlife Reserve in New Mexico.

Both the Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus, with its striking yellow eyes, and the Brown-headed Cowbird Molohrus ater were taken at Mono Lake.

This Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus santhocephalus is striking bird. These were photographed on Chrystalaire Golf Course, Llyano, CA during spring migration in mid May. A marsh was loaded with several dozen birds. Those with erect throat feathers (0375, 9788) were in the middle of their raucous wail characterized by Sibley as “like a chain saw.” The male has a bright yellow bib, head and crown on a black body.

The female also has a yellow bib but less extensive than in the male. The only yellow on the head is on the malar areas and above the eyes. The body is brown instead of black.

Blackbirds/Crows

American Crow 3762

American Crow 3757

American Crow 8724

Brewer's Blackbird 5866

Brown-headed Cowbird 5829.jpg

Brown-headed Cowbird 5829t.jpg

Red-winged Blackbird 5580

Red-winged Blackbird 7713 copy.jpg

Red-winged Blackbird 7713.jpg