Trusty Rusty Blackbirds

[JayinMN]

Now that its gets dark out at 7 there seems to be more computer time so I edited a couple shots I took today. I have about 10,000 from the rest of the summer to go through still. With all the wind down by Lake Superior the bird life wasn't to prevalent but I found these two rusty black birds foraging on the shore. They were dodging the big waves coming off the lake and I practiced my belly crawling while being showered with spray from the surf. In the second to the last image you can she the birds nictitating membrane halfway across eye. They kept using them to protect their eyes from the water.

These were a new species for me.

And little factoid.

Quote:

Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-99 percent over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to what is the cause. They are relatively uncommon denizens of wooded swamps, breeding in the boreal forest and wintering in the eastern U.S. In winter, they travel in small flocks and are identified by their distinctive rusty featheredges and pallid yellow eyes.

[finnbay]

Wow! Those are some great lookin' birds, Jason! I have a couple of shots of some rusty's in the spring and they don't have near the color these do. Great low angle shots!

[Canon Guy]

Those are great images! I really like how the backgounds match the colors of the birds.

[Steve Foss]

Really nice how the autumn colors of the male in winter plumage are echoed in the rocks/pebbles, Jason. Great to see you nailed a new species, too.

[Dbl]

These are beauties! Nicely done.

[ShawnZ]

Oh yeah baby! These are sweet! Great work with the belly crawl. Feels like Lake County to me...Flood Bay? You had some nice light here too Jason. I can't stop looking at #1...Backside view with that gorgeous eye contact!

WTG.

[JayinMN]

Thanks guys

Shawn, they were actually at Beaver Bay right where you come onto the beach where there is the rock wall.

[captainshane]

Nice pics of a neat looking bird!

[ShawnZ]

Ahh, okay, Beaver Bay...at least I got the county right

I think...