Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
Red-winged blackbirds are common marsh birds countrywide, and southeast Oregon is no exception. Their calls fill the air all day long, and in spring males show their fluorescent-red epaulettes when singing, and in display flights.
Despite being common, a surprising number of casual birders become confused when they see a female red-winged blackbird. Heavily striped, their plummage bears little resemblance to the male's.
If you have difficulty finding or photographing this species, may I suggest you consider a different hobby?
These birds are fairly large passerines, exceedingly common, and can be quite bold, so photographing them is pretty simple. In fact, they're great birds to practice on. The males are black and shiny, so a good exposure which shows some detail in their black plummage yet doesn't cause their red epaulettes to wash out can be a bit tricky. I usually photograph them in early-morning light.
You can photograph and observe this species to your hearts content by driving along the Malheur Refuge's Center Patrol Road.
