Large winter flock of Red-winged Blackbirds flying together over open fields at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Red-winged Blackbird Flock In Flight

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Large winter flock of Red-winged Blackbirds flying together over open fields at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
A dense winter flock of Red-winged Blackbirds moves together across open fields at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Winter at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma often brings large flocks of Red-winged blackbirds in flight. On this visit, a sizable flock moved across the refuge in coordinated movement, drawing my attention almost immediately.

I watched the birds shift direction together as they crossed open ground. The flock expanded and tightened as it moved, creating a constantly changing pattern against the sky. It was one of those moments where stopping and observing mattered more than moving on.

Wildlife Notes

Red-winged Blackbirds are highly social outside the breeding season. During winter, they gather in large flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands. These groups move between feeding and roosting areas throughout the day.

At Sequoyah, winter flocks are commonly seen near wetlands and agricultural fields. This flock remained airborne for several minutes before settling farther out in the refuge. I did not observe any disturbance or predator activity during this sequence.

I documented a similar flock on a later visit, where I was able to record video of the movement and scale of the birds. That post can be seen here: A Winter Blackbird Gathering at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

I photographed a similar blackbird flock on an earlier visit, which offers another look at how these large groups move and hold together in winter: A Large Flock Of Blackbirds

Photography Notes

I photographed this flock while sitting in my truck, using it as a blind. Remaining stationary allowed the birds to continue their natural movement without interference.

The light was even and bright enough to freeze motion with a fast shutter speed. I focused on capturing the overall shape and density of the flock rather than isolating individual birds.

Moments like this are easy to miss if you keep driving. Winter flocks at Sequoyah reward patience and observation, even on stops that were not planned to last very long.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: Canon 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.)
  • Aperture: f7.1
  • Shutter speed: 1/3200
  • ISO: 2500
  • Focal Length: 500 mm