Red-winged Blackbird

Gallery: AvianPosted December 7, 2016145 views10 comments

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Bosque del Apache, New Mexico
December 1, 2016, 11:53 am
Nikon D7200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), beanbag in car window
Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 800, 1/800^th @ f/14
Raw, PS CC, 68% of full frame cropped for composition

I know many photographers visit Bosque del Apache for the Sandhill Cranes, I spend most of my time there making very slow circuits on both loop drives looking for “targets of opportunity.” This female Red-winged Blackbird is a good example of the results, found at the north end of the Farm Loop. I’ve been an active birder for more than 40 years but I can’t recall seeing plumage quite like this.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 7, 2016 at 2:48 PM

That is unusual (and beautiful) plumage, Richard. I like you decision to go with a large dof for this image to keep all the branches and near reeds in crisp focus. They really fill the frame without competing with the bird at all.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on December 7, 2016 at 5:31 PM

Nicely done, Rich. I can't comment on the plumage, but agree that there are many species image-worthy there, and the RWBB is also one I look for. Excellent choice of getting the colorful environment to work here.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 7, 2016 at 7:05 PM

Beautiful image as always Rich, sharp, lovely composition, colors and details.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on December 7, 2016 at 7:33 PM

This is really nice, Richard. Great detail with a nice pose, and the grasses in the background really compliment the colors in this Blackbird.

I agree, this plumage is unusual. It is a bit out if it's range, but I am wondering if this may be a bicolored variant.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 8, 2016 at 5:08 AM

I've been waiting for your Bosque images!
This is really marvelous - exceptional detail, a great pose, and set off perfectly by the warm reeds.
devil

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on December 8, 2016 at 1:50 PM

Beautiful image. I like the pose and the complimentary background. BTW, I just returned from Phoenix and thanks to your posts I knew about the Gilbert Water Ranch-a beautiful oasis in the desert, great birding and photo ops.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on December 8, 2016 at 2:39 PM

Beautiful Richard, love the habitat and pose.

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on December 9, 2016 at 6:46 AM

A very pleasing composition of this beautiful blackbird in its habitat Richard!

Sweet pose and sharp details!

Excellent Work laugh

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on December 10, 2016 at 7:06 PM

I like this a lot Richard, nice back side view unobstructed by the reeds and nice habitat showing. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on December 11, 2016 at 9:09 PM

Lovely composition, nice head turn, and unusual plumage. Excellent techs as always Rich.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments