Yellow-Headed Blackbird

by Tracy
(Curtice (RenoBeach), Ohio, USA)

Yellow-Headed Blackbird.

Not long after putting up our feeders just outside our kitchen windows, the birds started flocking. I'd been taking hundreds of pictures within the next two days, but then, when I was least ready, a new bird showed up on the ground. A Robin to Grackel sized black bird with a yellow head!?!? What is this, a diseased bird?!?! (I'm very new to birding!)

I quickly grabbed my camera, and very slowly crept to a spot where I could get some pictures. I didn't know how wary these birds were and didn't want to spook it. I was able to get some shots, but they were not very good, but at least good enough to clearly see it.

I bought a couple books and did some online research an found this rare (to our parts) bird.

He left shortly thereafter, and I've not seen one since. I still watch for one and will be again this spring. This picture was taken Spring of '08.

By the way, I live near the Lake Erie shore, east of Toledo. I'm not far from the Metzger marsh and the Toussaint Wildlife areas.

I'm not what I would consider a die-hard birder, but I do get exited seeing new and different species visiting my yard. I hope to see many more species, and I'm going to attempt to attract some bluebirds to my yard.

They are around, as I've seen two visit my neighbors driveway. I live in an area with fairly close neighbors, not out in the country where I believe it would be FAR easier to attract them. I'm going to give it my best shot though!!

Wish me LUCK!

Tracy