Who Knew?

Who isn't fascinated by red-wing blackbirds? --that lovely trill, the unexpected flash of color. Today I discovered that they can move those gorgeous flaming epaulettes quite independently of the rest of their wings! There he was at the top of a young tree, singing his heart out and flashing his colors; I stopped cold in the middle of the trail, not believing what I saw. I had to go look it up; yes indeed: mating and territory.

As for the shadow, it's not as sinister as it looks. Just another bird flying in...

Please see the Extras for other views of this phenomenon.