Yellow-headed Blackbirds

I've recently started full-time work again hawk watching, which has made for a pretty busy week!  I've been neglecting my blog, and I feel bad, so here is a quick post about Yellow-headed Blackbirds!

Yellow-headed Blackbirds are fairly common in marshes and wetlands of the mid-west and western states during the breeding season.  Before you even see them, you will likely hear their robot-like calls (check out some calls on xeno canto!). They often join mixed blackbird flocks in migration, so always keep your eyes open for their bright yellow heads, as they do often appear on the east coast. Adult males have extremely bright yellow heads and breasts, and show a white patch on the wing, usually noticeable in flight, or when perched at the right angle. Females are more brownish with similar yellow markings that appear very dull brownish yellow, but lack the white patch on the wing. The dull yellow on the throat of females leads down into the darker brown breast with some white feathers that appear as white streaking. Immature males appear similar to adult females, but have more yellow on their heads, in addition to a white patch on the wings. While most of their foraging time in the breeding season is spent in wetlands, they also take advantage of agriculture and pastures, and can often be seen feeding on the ground in flooded fields and amongst cattle.

My first encounter with Yellow-headed Blackbirds was in the sandhill region of Nebraska.  These prairie marshes can be absolutely full of them, and the sound of a bunch of males singing on territory can be extremely loud!

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male

 

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male, feeding near Cinnamon Teal (Idaho)

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult female

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male

Yellow-headed Blackbird - adult male

Ferruginous Hawks in Idaho

While working in Boise, Idaho this summer, we came across many Ferruginous Hawks in our travels.  Ferruginous Hawks are the largest hawk in North America.  While they exist in both light and dark phases, I only saw light phases this summer in Idaho.  I've seen dark phases in Nebraska, back in the days when a 400mm lens was a far away thought, so no good photos!  (just gives me a reason to go back!)  Like most raptors of the mid-west and west, Ferruginous hawks main prey are ground squirrels and prairie dogs. If you find yourself in a colony of either of these rodents, chances are a Ferruginous Hawk isn't very far away, and is likely plotting his next attack on another cute-and-furry.  A very important thing to remember about Ferruginous Hawks is that they are EXTREMELY sensitive to disturbances at their nests. NEVER approach a Ferruginous Hawk nest, as they are likely to abandon it.

This past summer, our Long-billed Curlew study area had at least one nesting pair of Ferruginous Hawks, and others were attracted by the abundant supply of ground squirrels.  While roaming the rolling hills, it was a common occurrence to be circled by a hunting Ferruginous Hawk, especially on days when you thought it was a good idea to leave the camera in the truck. We found this nest on one of our first days of work in April; clearly it has been used for many years!  When we went back to check on it in June, the nest had 2 fluffy babies on it with mom nearby, while dad was defending their territory from an over abundance of Swainson's Hawks.

Ferruginous Hawk (female) at nest with 2 chicks;

note rufous shoulders and dark back of adult

Ferruginous Hawk - adult male

Note red leggings and rufous underwing markings,

in addition to wide "gape"

Ferruginous Hawk - adult male

In the agricultural fields between Boise and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, we found this nest in April. By June, two large fledglings were literally jumping all over the nest, stretching their wings, and getting ready to jump.

Ferruginous Hawks - 2 fledglings and adult

Probably the best place to photograph Ferruginous Hawks was the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.  This place is huge and also has an abundance of ground squirrels, which are always an attractive food source for opportunistic raptors. This adult Ferruginous Hawk was one of the most beautiful birds I have seen in my life! Within about 600 meters of this bird, there was also a Rough-legged Hawk, a Golden Eagle, a Prairie Falcon, and a Swainson's Hawk...which is why you should start planning your trip to the Snake River Birds of Prey Area! 

Adult (left)                                          Juvenile (right)

Note red "leggings" of adult (not seen on juvenile),

appearing as dark "V" when viewed from below

Adult (left)                              Juvenile (right)

Juvenile lacks red "leggings" and has a lightly banded tail.

Juvenile appears very pale/white at a distance, as it lacks most rufous markings on

underwings and shoulders as seen in adult. Wide "gape" visible on both.



Distinct "shape" of Ferruginous Hawk when flapping is visible at quite a distance

Ferruginous Hawk - juvenile

The photos of the perched bird below were taken in June at the Snake River Birds of Prey Area.

A nest was visible in the distance on transmission line towers.

Ferruginous Hawk - adult

Ferruginous Hawk - adult

Note large "gape"

Ferruginous Hawk - adult

Note rufous shoulders and dark back creating a "two-toned" appearance

This post is a part of WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY!!!

Also, can't get enough raptors? Check out Jerry Jourdan's post about his "Hawkfest 2011" where he witnessed an absolutely huge flight of Broad-winged Hawks!