A visit to a marsh reveals birds that don’t frequent the well–drained portions of the region. So it was, that during last Saturday’s field trip of the West Kootenay Naturalists to the fresh–water marshes south of Kootenay Lake, I managed to get close enough to take pictures of both a Red–winged Blackbird and some Yellow–headed Blackbirds. Both birds favour marshes where they are often seen perched on cattails.
The red shoulder markings on the wing of the male are usually hidden but may be displayed when the bird is perched and singing.
This Yellow–headed Blackbird is probably watching for insects to eat.
The dominant foraging technique is to look for bugs while walking.
This Yellow–headed Blackbird has deployed alulae to maintain lift during a bank.
beautiful pictures, I especially love the yellow-headed blackbird!
Diane, those Yellow-headed Blackbirds gave me both a new species and insight into the use of alulae. Splendid.