Winter here at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is a great time to see large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds. Several thousand birds, including Starlings and other Blackbird species, can congregate in winter flocks.
Breathtaking! That’s what one can only utter upon witnessing the enigmatic migration of Red-winged Blackbirds. A spectacle to behold, these migratory birds flock in tremendous numbers throughout North America, especially during the winter season. A flamboyant display of nature’s marvels, these birds amaze us with their synchronized flight patterns, moving as if they are a single entity.
An awe-inspiring sight, a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds can number in the thousands, soaring through the sky in perfect unison, their synchronized movements a testament to the strength of their social bonds and their exceptional ability to communicate with one another. Their flight, a wondrous affair, is characterized by hours of formation flying, effortlessly covering hundreds of miles in a single day.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: December 14, 2022 (11:08 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is another photo I took of a large flock of Blackbirds: A Large Flock Of Blackbirds