As a wildlife photographer, I love this time of year when the fall migration is underway and I can capture images of the huge flocks of blackbirds that stop over at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
A Morning at the Refuge
On November 6, 2010, I headed out to the refuge in the early morning hours. November is a fantastic time to see massive groups of blackbirds gathering and swooping across the skies before they begin their day.
Capturing the Flock in Action
Driving along the auto tour road near the refuge entrance at sunrise, I was delighted to come across a mixed flock of blackbirds spread out across the road. I quickly pulled over, grabbed my camera and lens, and braced myself against the door frame of my pickup truck to steady my shot.
The Diverse Flock
From what I could see, there were a few bright shoulder patches indicating male Red-winged Blackbirds. But the flock likely contained Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and European Starlings mixed together. These species often join in communal roosts.
Mesmerizing Moments
It was mesmerizing to watch hundreds of birds wheeling about in the early morning light. The sound of their calls was nearly deafening at times when the flock shifted direction simultaneously. I shot frame after frame, capturing the birds in flight as they moved over the road and along the roadside grasses.
Flocking to the Trees
As the morning progressed, the flock finally coalesced and moved as one unit to a stand of trees where they would gather before dispersing to feed.
The Wintertime Phenomenon
November and December is one of the best months to witness these huge flocks at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge as the birds gather in numbers. Seeing and photographing these blackbirds reinforces my passion for capturing wildlife imagery.
The Significance of Winter Flocks
Large flocks of blackbirds are a common wintertime phenomenon in many parts of the United States, including Oklahoma. These flocks are made up of true blackbirds (red-winged, most of the time), common grackles, brown-headed cowbirds, and starlings. The flocks are believed to form as a way to find food in the winter, as a cooperative effort. Additionally, the flocks may be a way for the birds to avoid predators, as there is power in numbers. The birds may also flock together to roost in the evenings, as a way to stay warm and safe. The flocks are typically seen in November and December, and they disperse in the spring when the birds begin breeding.
Gear Used:
Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date Taken: November 6, 2010
- Aperture: f5.0
- Shutter speed: 1/400 sec.
- ISO: 800
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
- Focal Length: 500 mm