Although the Red-winged Blackbird is abundant through much of North America, it is not all that common around Kootenay Lake. The fields and marshes this bird prefers are in short supply around the heavily forested lakeshore—except, at the south end of the Main Lake where large flocks were seen this week.
A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds forages in a field. They are readily identified by their coloured epaulettes. 
The males like to perch on poles and reeds and display their red and yellow epaulettes. That this male is immature is evident from the orange edges on its otherwise black feathers.
The female Red-winged Blackbird not only has better camouflage colours, but attempts to stay hidden. 
The raucous posturing of the males makes them an inviting subject for photographers. 
Stunning pictures, especially the last one. Thanks.
Thank you for these awesome close up photos! I grew up in Ontario, known for the RWBB’s. It’s always a treat to see them here.
i had to go find a bird call page and play the red wing song then it all came back. Remember those hot sunny dry afternoons out in the fields, hearing that song all afternoon and there’d be one on every second fence post.
Great pictures – especially the last guy, lol. I miss all the colourful birds like these, and cardinals, that were abundant in my youth. I’ve seen RWB’s in the marsh on the “Lebedau Flats” area of HWY 6 on the way to Winlaw, and on the marshy edges of properties along 3 on the way to Castlegar. Here in the outlands of Vallican, it’s mostly jays, robins, swallows.
Very nice photos – capturing colour and behaviour
Wonderful and inspirational photography. Thank you.
Lovely, thanks. Years ago in N Ontario just about dawn I saw huge numbers of Red-wings almost seeming to darken the sky. I have heard that it’s one of Morth Merica’s most numerous species. Your photos are outstanding, thanks.
Alastair per Dave Douglas.
I have never seen such a large flock.
Such pluminal costumery. I didn’t know about the immature with orange-trimmed feathers. I saw these birds 2 to 3 weeks ago high up in the trees out under the boardwalk in the W. Creston bird sanctuary.