Fall migration is one of my favorite times as a wildlife photographer. This season, huge flocks of blackbirds gather at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, creating incredible opportunities for photography.
On November 6, 2010, I arrived at the refuge before sunrise. November is prime time to witness these large gatherings as the birds move across the sky before their day begins.
As I drove along the auto tour road near the entrance, the first light of the day revealed a mixed flock of blackbirds spread across the road. I pulled over, grabbed my camera, and used the door frame of my truck to steady the shot.
In the photo, the mass of birds fills the frame with a swirling, chaotic pattern. Their dark bodies blend together, creating a mesmerizing texture. A few brighter patches hint at male Red-winged Blackbirds with their distinct shoulder markings. Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and European Starlings likely joined the mix, as these species often flock together.
Watching the flock twist and turn in unison was captivating. The noise of their calls rose and fell with each shift in direction, reaching a nearly overwhelming volume at times. I kept shooting as they moved over the road and across the grasses.
Eventually, the birds merged into a single unit and flew to a nearby stand of trees. There, they gathered before dispersing to feed for the day.
November and December are the best months to catch these blackbird flocks at Sequoyah. They gather in large numbers during winter, making it a prime spot for photographers.
These flocks, common in many parts of the U.S. during winter, consist of true blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, and starlings. They join forces for several reasons: finding food, avoiding predators, and staying warm at night while roosting together. By spring, the flocks break up as the birds prepare for the breeding season.
Seeing these flocks up close and capturing their movement through the lens fuels my passion for wildlife photography.