Fall is one of my favorite times to be out with a camera. Large blackbird flocks often gather at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, turning open areas into constant motion.
I arrived at the refuge before sunrise on November 6, 2010. November is a prime month for these gatherings, especially early in the morning before the birds disperse to feed. As the light began to build, I could already hear the sound of wings and calls coming from the fields near the entrance.
Driving slowly along the auto tour road, I came across a mixed flock spread across the road and nearby grasses. I pulled over, stayed in the truck, and used the door frame to steady my camera. Shooting from the vehicle kept the birds calm and allowed me to work quickly as the light improved.
In this photo, the flock fills the frame with a dense, swirling pattern. The birds blend together into a textured mass, with only small flashes of contrast breaking through. Some of those brighter patches are likely male Red-winged Blackbirds, identifiable by their shoulder markings when the light hits just right. Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and European Starlings were likely mixed in as well, which is typical for these winter flocks.
Watching the birds move as a single unit was mesmerizing. The flock twisted and shifted direction without warning, the sound rising and falling as they passed overhead and across the road. I kept shooting as they flowed over the grasslands and lifted into the air again.
Eventually, the birds tightened into one large group and flew toward a stand of trees nearby. From there, they settled briefly before breaking up and spreading out to feed for the day.
I have photographed similar scenes at this refuge many times since, including a closer look at a red-winged blackbird flock in flight that shows how quickly these birds can change direction as a group. On another visit, I focused more on the behavior and movement of red-winged blackbirds at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which helped me better understand how these massive flocks form and function.
These large winter flocks are common across much of the United States. Blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, and starlings gather for safety, warmth, and access to food. As spring approaches, these flocks gradually break apart as the birds return to breeding territories.
Seeing a scene like this up close is always a reminder of why I keep coming back during late fall and winter.