The Color Purple, Not Always Regal
Oct 13, 2016 00:00:42 #
They strut across the yard, resplendent in their regal purple robes, reminding us of a King or Prince from earlier times. But in reality they are thugs, bullies, destroyers of other birds eggs, and the killers of baby songbirds. They are in some respects the "Hells Angels" of the birding kingdom.
They arrive in flocks and within a very short time eat everything in sight including all that is animal, vegetable and sometimes I think, mineral. If it isn't nailed down it's gone. They are in all aspects a true nemesis for those whom watch and feed the birds.
They may look purty, but for the most parts they are a pest, and not welcome, especially to my yard.
I've also included a few pics of one of his distant cousins from the gulf coast of Texas, the Great-tailed Grackle. They are just a obnoxious down there as they are up here in Canada.
Ron
They arrive in flocks and within a very short time eat everything in sight including all that is animal, vegetable and sometimes I think, mineral. If it isn't nailed down it's gone. They are in all aspects a true nemesis for those whom watch and feed the birds.
They may look purty, but for the most parts they are a pest, and not welcome, especially to my yard.
I've also included a few pics of one of his distant cousins from the gulf coast of Texas, the Great-tailed Grackle. They are just a obnoxious down there as they are up here in Canada.
Ron
Male Common Grackle
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Male Common Grackle headshot
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Male Common Grackle
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Male Common Grackle
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Female Common Grackle (drabber bird)
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A Cousin from Texas, male Great-tailed Grackle
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Another Great-tailed Grackle from Texas
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Oct 13, 2016 00:09:09 #
Oct 13, 2016 01:02:09 #
Very nice shots. They can be a pain in the butt though for all the little birds at the bird feeders. They come in and empty the feeders out and the smaller birds stay away.
Oct 13, 2016 03:41:45 #
LittleRed wrote:
They strut across the yard, resplendent in their r... (show quote)
Great images!!!!
At least they don't demand welfare!! after they waste everything.
Oct 13, 2016 04:12:48 #
Oct 13, 2016 07:31:45 #
Very nice set of Grackle shots. My favorites are the first and last. The first shot shows the beautiful colors so well and the last is a very attractive shot of the feathers on display.
Oct 13, 2016 08:15:31 #
Very nice series, a common bird you don't see photographed very often but they are a very interesting species and pretty birds if you really look at them.
Oct 13, 2016 08:40:07 #
I like #6 the best...implies motion.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_grackle
No wonder I never saw any out west (range)...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_grackle
No wonder I never saw any out west (range)...
Oct 14, 2016 09:58:46 #
Oct 14, 2016 11:45:10 #
MtnMan wrote:
Good material for a pellet gun?
Geezzz...find some beauty & all some folks can see is the opportunity to damage or destroy it.
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Oct 14, 2016 12:28:09 #
Oct 14, 2016 14:59:23 #
DoninIL
Loc: East Central Illinois
LittleRed wrote:
They strut across the yard, resplendent in their r... (show quote)
Your description is spot on. We used to have them by the hundreds in my and my neighbor's trees, pooping on everything. Some Coopers hawks moved in and now we get only a handful.
Oct 14, 2016 18:51:56 #
LittleRed wrote:
They strut across the yard, resplendent in their r... (show quote)
These are great bird photos.
RichOct 14, 2016 19:13:24 #
EllieLady wrote:
Geezzz...find some beauty & all some folks can see is the opportunity to damage or destroy it.
__________
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Not at all. Defending the little guys.
Oct 14, 2016 20:05:46 #
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