I was watching the antics of these Cowbirds (or Blackbirds?) in the bird bath when this odd yellow throated bird joined them for a rather energetic bath, lol. I've never seen this type of bird before, although different species of Cowbirds are quite common here in the large open pastures of Texas. Is he a mutation of some sort? I can't seem to find him in my bird fieldguide. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.... :)
Melanie
Here is another shot from the side...
Female Yellow-headed Blackbird. You're on the northern edge of their wintering range in TX (most go down into Mexico)
Resin
Last one.... :)
oh my..! Really? Then these other birds are of no relation....Is the plumage of the male Yellow Headed Blackbird quite different? Thank you, Resin... :)
Melanie
Alright, I just googled Yellow Headed Blackbird...and here is what I found.....wow! Beautiful bird. I'm not sure who the photographer is...but it is most definitely not me...lol. I wonder if she was accompanied by a hidden male....thank you again, Resin... :)
Melanie
Tx: I just posted pictures of the yellow headed blackbird, then saw your posting. Resin, they are coming to California (LOL). They do travel with cowbirds, blackbirds, and the red winged blackbirds, yours is probably a juvenile. Now I know where they're coming from...or going to.
hmm...interesting, betterbloom. I can't even find them in my Nat'l Audobon Society Field Guide to N. American Birds...lol I have flocks of Red Wing Blackbirds hang around my feeders along with the more common Cowbirds and Blackbirds. Seems odd that this particular bird appears to be alone..since alot of black birds seem to flock in colder weather. Of course, these photos were taken last May.
Melanie
Another diagram....again, not my illustration. But quite helpful...! lol....
Melanie
I have the Birds of North America field guide, but mine is so old their are species of birds not in it. They travel together but you probably only got one of them because they normally don't go to feeders. Last year I had tons of them fly over head, but only three of them would come in my yard to eat. Even then, they would only eat the seed off the ground, wouldn't go near a feeder. I'm going to start throwing out seed now that I know they're around. They are one of my favorites, almost reminds me of something you would see in an animated cartoon.
Oddly enough, I never see Cowbirds on the feeders...but Red Wing Blackbirds seem to love them! I would definitely love to see more of these Yellow Headed Blackbirds...especially those striking males but I have a feeling that this sighting of mine was probably rare here in central Texas. :)
Melanie
i find it interesting they are sharing a birdbath. I dont find much sharing going on in my yard. That would be fun to watch...and a cool bird to see.
lol gardenglory.....I see it quite often here in my wee backyard. Especially along the fence. Doves of all kinds, sparrows and finches appear to just sort of hang around together. Everyone seems to enjoy the birdbath until the darn Grackles show up, lol. As well as my local pair of Red Tail Hawks that have made a home in the electric tower behind my house. Loggerhead Shrikes seem to make everyone end the party as well....lol :)
Melanie
Its the cardinals, of all things, that ruin the party at my house. All the little titmice, warblers and finches dont seem to have that problem..they will hang together.
Cardinals seem to be incredibly shy here for some reason. I always see them in pairs and they tend to hang back in the shrubs and Texas natives that I have planted....Males are bolder in the Spring tho...where they sing on branches....and sort of vibrate along a branch to their song,lol. Quite fun to watch... :)
Melanie
This message was edited Jan 12, 2007 8:52 PM
woo hoo lucky you. Nice find. WTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
