Hello feathered friend lovers from around the globe.
We share an opportunity in this week's #smap contest to be free to choose our own theme. I have chosen this gorgeous black bird with his iridescent feathers and his calm demeanor.
He graced my presence as I sat in my favorite chair during a break from the garden chores. It was a beautiful afternoon here in Upstate New York, 75 degrees, with the sun shining and hardly a breeze.
As I picked up my camera, I noticed this was not an all-black feathered bird. He sported an iridescent ring around his neck that glowed under the bright sunlight. He seemed to be chatting with another #featheredfriend.
As he turned this way and that, I noticed through my camera lens his strange glowing eye with a pinpoint pupil. I marveled at how calm he was as he sat on the fence. There are lots of black crows in our neighborhood, noisy fellows, always shaking things up in the trees. But this guy was calm, quiet, and seemed to be posing for me.
As it turned out , he wasn't posing for me, he was waiting for his mate to arrive. They met in the dining hall and after a nice kiss hello, they enjoyed a snack of seeds.
I was happy to catch a glimpse of his feathers from the back, the colors were awesome.
I believe this bird falls into the MAIN SPECIES,
Brewer's Blackbirds,
similar to the Common Grackle but with a shorter bill.
Hey , my friend and mentor, set me straight if I have it wrong will ya? 😁
I thanked him and his wife for the friendly visit and invited them back any time they were in the neighborhood. Farm-Mom's diner is open, 24/7.
Many thanks ,
, and
for keeping this wonderful community contest going, nice work ladies. Kudos to all those who contribute to the prize fund, thank you, and have a blessed week.