Monday, June 28, 2010

Common Grackle

I grew up with Common Grackles being, well, common. They were everywhere during the hot summer days in Minnesota. In Oregon, however, I have never seen one as their range does not reach this far west. That's why it was a thrill to see one again.
I first got a shot of it coming in for a landing on a tall dead branch near the parking lot pond. I'm not sure, but it looks like it is missing a few feathers although had no trouble flying (perhaps it is molting). I did a quick web search and didn't find anything similar.
Although it doesn't show up much in these images, Grackles have iridescent feathers and though black, they can flash blue, green and purple when the sun shines on them.

1 comment:

  1. This is a Great-tailed Grackle, assuming this photo is taken on the Rio Grande of Texas. The bird is in molt, shedding some wing and tail feathers.

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