NOT JUST A BLACK BIRD~ #SMaP Show Me A Photo Contest Round 119!

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Hello feathered friend lovers from around the globe.

We share an opportunity in this week's #smap contest to be free to choose our own theme. I have chosen this gorgeous black bird with his iridescent feathers and his calm demeanor.

He graced my presence as I sat in my favorite chair during a break from the garden chores. It was a beautiful afternoon here in Upstate New York, 75 degrees, with the sun shining and hardly a breeze.

As I picked up my camera, I noticed this was not an all-black feathered bird. He sported an iridescent ring around his neck that glowed under the bright sunlight. He seemed to be chatting with another #featheredfriend.

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As he turned this way and that, I noticed through my camera lens his strange glowing eye with a pinpoint pupil. I marveled at how calm he was as he sat on the fence. There are lots of black crows in our neighborhood, noisy fellows, always shaking things up in the trees. But this guy was calm, quiet, and seemed to be posing for me.

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As it turned out , he wasn't posing for me, he was waiting for his mate to arrive. They met in the dining hall and after a nice kiss hello, they enjoyed a snack of seeds.

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I was happy to catch a glimpse of his feathers from the back, the colors were awesome.

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I believe this bird falls into the MAIN SPECIES,
Brewer's Blackbirds,
similar to the Common Grackle but with a shorter bill.
Hey @melinda010100, my friend and mentor, set me straight if I have it wrong will ya? 😁

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I thanked him and his wife for the friendly visit and invited them back any time they were in the neighborhood. Farm-Mom's diner is open, 24/7.

Many thanks @nelinoeva, @barbara-orenya, and @melinda010100 for keeping this wonderful community contest going, nice work ladies. Kudos to all those who contribute to the prize fund, thank you, and have a blessed week.



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19 comments
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You may be right, but the range map does not show Brewers Blackbirds in your area.

Even if it is a grackle, it is beautiful! I don't often see them at my house, but when I do I marvel at their shiny colors.

Great photos! You captured the colors nicely!

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Good day Melinda, it’s bugging me now b/c I have never spotted this one before here.
When I get a chance a do a little inquiry I will let you know.
Cool map, you are so smart 😉

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I suspect birds don't follow maps and with the fires and smoke to the north they may be visiting you looking for clean air!

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Have you tried using the Merlin app on your phone? It's my favorite, especially for identifying calls. It hears everything! I often leave it on when I am sitting outdoors and it makes me aware of birds that I did not even realize were there

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I think you mentioned that app some time ago and since we can't work HOBBITIZE outside, I'll check it out.

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You choose something perfect to share with us. These bird's are beautiful, I'll also give my entry if it's free theme lol 😆
Thanks for letting me know 😹😍

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You bet, jump in, it's always fun.

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What wonderful iridescent feathers ! I love blackbirds, we have a lot here, common blackbirds with plain black feathers, but their songs are so melodious each morning that they seem to be the most beautiful, to our ears at least 😄

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That iridescent colour, so captivating. You have many visitors, but this one is really unique. 🙂

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(Edited)

Hi Robin. The birds looks like the common grackle that are related to the blackbird. I have a few that stay around the yard all summer and they look the same with the beady eyes and shiny iridescent feathers on the head. Their song sounds like a moving rusty hinge. They can be aggressive to other birds but are beneficial and patrol the lawn looking for insects.

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Hello Jo, hope you are well, it's nice to hear from you.
Yes, I think it is a common grackle, they have probably been around but I had never seen them before. Cool birds for sure.

Enjoy the weekend my friend.

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With that sharp eye he was sure to have seen you checking him out through the lens, when birds are so black they shimmer in the sunlight, entertaining thought chatting to the sparrow !LOLZ

Mr and Mrs will be back free meals, build a nest close by to diner never go far to get to food source.

!LADY

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Cool colour! And true, not a common blackbird for sure. I'm not that familiar with american birds, but you have an awesome app to help identify the not-so-common birds that show up once in a while: Merlin app. Try it, you'll love it! I use it a ton when travelling. Cheers! !BEER

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