Saturday, June 7, 2008

Camera Critter Sunday No. 9

One of my favorite places to shoot is a small made-made pond called Fireman's Pond. Last year it was a great place for Odonata photos. Unfortunately, this year has been a bust . . . so far.

But the Yellow-headed Blackbirds are there, and they are nesting. And they don't like when I get close to any of the nests in the reeds along the shore of the pond.

Sometimes they'll just squawk at me from one of the reeds, sometimes they'll dive on me, and sometimes one will get on a nearby sign and stare me down.

In any case, I do like the looks of these birds. During the summer after the brood has hatched, a person can go to the park side of the pond and the Yellow-headed Blackbirds will eat out of your hand even though there is plenty of natural food available.

However, the guy below wasn't interested in hand-outs, he wasn't interested in diving on me (anymore)...he just wanted me gone. One look into his eyes, decided it all for me. 8v)

16 comments:

Susan Demeter said...

Beautiful shot of a very handsome looking bird!

My entry is posted here:

My Life In The Urban Zoo

Stop by if you have a moment, and have a great week ahead!

Mom Knows Everything said...

What a beautiful bird, but yeah he does look like he's giving you the eye. How large are they?

i beati said...

wow a great closeup

Misty DawnS said...

You know how much I love this photo and how beautiful I think this bird is! I'm SO glad you posted this one!!!

Indrani said...

Yes they do look beautiful and they are suspicious when you get close.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: Thanks for sharing the beautiful bird, great photo.

bcmomtoo said...

Oh yes, look at those eyes. He definitely wanted you gone. He's gorgeous!

Rhea said...

That is quite a look he is giving you! lol Beautiful bird, great photo!

Jules said...

He does look quite haute though, doesn't he?

AppleDebbie said...

I've never seen a Yellow-Headed Blackbird before - he's beautiful!

Jane Hards Photography said...

That is a spectatuclar bird portrait. Magnificent.

Lilli & Nevada said...

you took a good shot of the bird, you know we went camping last weekend over at Silver Lake, heard all sorts of birds but never captured a one

ratmammy said...

Wow, what a bird!

D... said...

Very majestic!

Happy Birthday!

bundle-o-contradictions said...

Oooooh, pretty!! :)

Andree said...

oh wow
I checked the scientific name for the yellow-headed and the red-winged and they are different species and genusususus (genii? LOL) And your fellow here looks so forbiding compared to the Cornell photo! But such a knockout gorgeous photo. I'd love to go photo walking with you!!