Sunday, May 13, 2012

Boat-tailed Grackle

Boat-tailed Grackle:  Viera Wetland, Florida

Much larger than its cousin the common grackle, the boat-tailed grackle is primarily a coastal bird ranging from New Jersey to Texas and inland across Florida. 

As is so often the case these close-up photos were taken from the car window.  In places where wildlife is accustomed to autos, approaching by car is the least threatening way to get the close-up image. 

As the males displayed they would close their white inner eyelids making for a striking contrast between the white eye and their iridescent feathers.

5 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

they are handsome fellows, for sure.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Gorgeous deep colour on this bird.

Montanagirl said...

Very striking bird. We have the more common Grackles here. They're very pesky, but they're also sooo intelligent.

Elaine said...

Beautiful series! That second shot is gorgeous!

I'm sure you're relieved to know your ducks had a safe journey, and I believe I heard them sending a quack or two your way, although the wood frogs were being so noisy the ducks had a hard time getting a word in edgewise.

Modesto Viegas said...

Great capture!!!