The Neil Young bird.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning at Bear River MBR I made multiple attempts at photographing Yellow-headed Blackbirds as they were singing and/or taking off, with this adult male being my best result overall. I got dozens of shots of him singing in a setting that appeals to me.
To describe the sound the males of this species make as “singing” is a huge stretch. Their song has been described as sounding like “a screeching buzz, rather like a heavy door swinging on a very rusty metal hinge” and I’m of the opinion that that’s a reasonably accurate description.
When I hear males of this species singing in springtime, I usually (always?) think of Neil Young and his “whiny, nasal voice” that made me wince the first few times I heard it. It’s an association that has almost invariably played out in my mind for decades, even though today I’m a big fan of Neil Young and the undeniable authenticity and emotionality of his grating voice that has endeared him to generations of fans.
More about that in a minute.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
When the blackbird finally took off I wasn’t particularly fond of the first launch shot because there wasn’t much detail in many of the blacks. But for my tastes, the next shot in the burst is…
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
what I call the “money shot” because I like most everything about it, including his flight posture, the exposure on most of the blacks and the sharpness of the bird. I got two more photos of him in flight but I’m not including them because they were a little soft.
Back to Neil Young and why I nearly always think of him when I’m hearing Yellow-headed Blackbirds “singing”. One Irish Neil Young fan, who almost certainly has spent too much time in Irish pubs, had this to say about Young’s voice and its authenticity and appeal:
“He’s a folk singer and I sure as hell wasn’t ever told you needed to sound good to sing folk.
You should hear some of the grannies belting out waillies as the bar comes to closing time here in Ireland. Fuck me it would veneer your teeth, some of that singing.
But hell it’s beautiful.”
I feel the same about Neil’s voice. And about the “song” of Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
As I type this I’m hearing Neil’s “Four Strong Winds” in my head. When you’ve spent as much time in Alberta as I have, in winter and in summer, it’s a strong association that brings back many fond memories.
Ron
Whoops,
I obviously meant ‘tears’ not ‘rears’…
Watching the video brought back memories and rears to this old fella’s eyes – thank you.
Great shots, really like the flight shot! I like some of Neil Young’s songs, Heart of Gold is a favorite. Mostly I like the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
I almost went to BRMBR yesterday morning but while on the road decided to go to Antelope Island while temps were cold, no biting gnats! I thought I was gong to work this morning, schedule changed last minute, I think I will do a late afternoon today at BRMBR since I could not go this morning.
Good luck at Bear River today, April. I hope you found some interesting subjects on the island. For me it’s still been pretty slow. Not sure if it’ll ever pick up again.
I had a good morning, had trouble with heat waves as it warmed up. I have not processed the photos, my drive is full. Filled up fast with the higher files of the R5. New drive arrives tomorrow.
Great photo!
Question: is the loop road at Bear River open? Does it close for nesting season?
Deedee. the “loop road” (auto tour route) is open year round.
Thank you so much for my early morning smiles as I head off to a busy day.
Very few of the Australian birds are singers. Your description of the Yellow-Headed Blackbird could be leveled at a number of them. The emblematic bird of my city’s voice has been compared to a rusty gate swinging in the wind.
And that third shot is a beauty.
Thanks, EC. Glad you like that last shot. It’s one of my best of the species.
Thanks, Ron. This is what i needed this morning – your photos, your story (bringing memories of my own), and the quote. The Irish, ancestors of mine, can always make me laugh and cry, and often at the same time.
Nina, my ancestors, English, are close to you on the map but many miles away in other ways.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird has one of my favorite songs. I know it’s harsh but I love to hear it. The variety and complexity of songs in the blackbird family is amazing. From the harshness of Yellowheads and Red-winged Blackbirds to the complex beauty of Bullock’s Oriole and Western Meadowlarks. (Yes, orioles and meadowlarrks are blacfkbirds). But the Yellow-headed Blackbird never fails to bring a smile.
“But the Yellow-headed Blackbird never fails to bring a smile.”
It often makes me smile too, Dan. It’s just so… different.
My mother-in-law LOVED yellow-headed blackbirds, so this is an especially welcome post. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one, and didn’t know they had the white wing patches. Stunning! The “grannies” quote sure brings a smile, and thanks for the link to Neil Young.
Thanks, Carolyn. Glad you enjoyed the quote.
I wish we had these here. Their “song” makes me laugh, and their beauty takes my breath away. I’ve only seen them when we travel, plus two very bedraggled males that hung out one winter.
Catherine, we don’t have as many of them as we used to. Especially at Farmington Bay WMA.
Beautiful shots, Ron. They and red-winged black birds do have god-awful voices. Remember/lover Four Strong Winds even if I can’t stand Neil’s voice – the “whine” gets me gritting my teeth…. 😉
“the “whine” gets me gritting my teeth”
I get that Judy, because it used to do the same to me. I’m over it now.
Excellent shots Ron. Really like that last one. Sometimes they will be very visible here and in other years hard to find, but am always excited to see them. Was never a fan of old Neil who is now old, but 8 years younger than me. 🙂
I like everything about this post. Photos, words and the connections you have made.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Thanks, Everett. He’s a year and a half older than me.
What a wonderful post this morning.
Have not seen a Yellow-headed Blackbird in the local area, and I have perhaps seen a couple when I’ve gone to the Central Valley. It’s been a long time though. They are in that area this time of year, and your post has me planning another birding dawn patrol.
That third shot is the winner. What a beauty.
Your tie-in with the bird voice and Neil Young had me smiling, but that quote had me laughing out loud. Thank you.
You know, after following your posts for a while now I (like others here) have grown to not only appreciate your fine photography, but also like you as a human being. For me, the fact you like Neil Young makes you all the more likable. I’ll be bringing a few of my Neil Young CDs along with me on my next birding trip.
“that quote had me laughing out loud.”
“I’ll be bringing a few of my Neil Young CDs along with me on my next birding trip.”
Those two statements made my day, Michael. I was a little worried that the quote might offend some readers but decided to run with it anyway…
That second takeoff shot is really nice. They are really beautiful birds. And I have a feeling Neil wouldn’t mind being compared to one in full song.
“And I have a feeling Neil wouldn’t mind being compared to one in full song.”
I’m thinking you’re probably right, Bill.
Another great $$$shot. And I always enjoy the plugs for Canada.
Thanks, Burrdoo. That reminds me, I’ve got to get on the stick and start working on getting the documentation that confirms my Canadian citizenship. My sister is about done with hers but it’s a rather complicated process.
The flight picture was stellar, the Neil Young comparison was delightful, and oh my, how I loved the story of the Irish grannies. I’m half Irish and can’t carry a tune, I’d best get me to an Irish pub!
Loved seeing that golden-headed bird–have never seen one in
real life…….I guess all blackbirds have that “buzzy” call ? Interesting
associations we humans have with particular songs…….
“I guess all blackbirds have that “buzzy” call ?”
Kris, Red-winged Blackbirds sound very different from Yellow-headed but I suspect most folks don’t find either one very appealing, at least in the traditional way.