From a distance Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) often appear to be black, but often you can spot their distinctive yellow eyes. When you get closer, especially when the lighting is good, you discover that the grackles are covered with an array of multi-colored iridescent feathers.
On Friday I spotted this grackle while I was exploring Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia with fellow photographer Cindy Dyer. The grackle was poking around at the edge of the water of a small pond and moving about a lot. I had to maneuver around to get a clear shot of the bird, which was a bit of challenge, because overhanging vegetation partially obstructed my view.
Eventually I was able to capture this image. I had my macro lens on my camera at the time, but fortunately its focal length of 180mm means that it also works as a short telephoto lens. I often tell people that it is best to take a photo with whatever camera gear you have in your hand when a situation arises, even if it does not appear to be the ideal option. If I had stopped to change lenses—I had a longer lens in my backpack—I am pretty sure I would missed this fun little shot of the grackle.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
This is truly beautiful, Mike. I’ve not heard of a Grackle before. Inspiration for another poem. Thank you x
Colorful but a flock can mess up a deck and empty a feeder in no time at all!
They sometimes travel in big groups and remind be a bit of starlings, which can also be a pain at times.
Grackles are one of the unappreciated species of bird. They are beautiful especially when the sun is showing off those feathers. Thank you.
I love grackles. This picture is a true reflection of how pretty they are! Nice shot!
Thank you for highlighting the Common Grackle, Mike! Many simply see them as numerous and noisy. As your image shows, they happen to be very attractive.
The most marvelous grackle photo I’ve ever seen! I love grackles and once wrote an article about them called “The Uncommon Grackle”. It was published in Snowy Egret, the oldest independent nature writing journal in the US. It was printed on a mimeograph machine at the time, and now has new editors and more modern ways of publication.
What a beautiful shot Mike. We are overrun with grackles but I have never noticed this colouring before.
Beautiful shot! You really did an amazing job of catching the varied colors in the feathers! Best image of a male grackle i thin I’ve ever seen.
That’s a great photo, Mike. I like Gtackles.
Wonderful photo, kudos!
You mentioned that they sometimes travel in big groups–I can confirm that. I remember several times in Omaha when flocks certainly numbering in the thousands would fill the trees in our neighborhood, and their raucous and constant calling was unbelievable and nearly deafening. Unforgettable!
I adore grackles and I think this is a really striking portrait of one. You have captured that splendid plumage beautifully and I also love the twist in the bird’s pose.
Thanks, Laura. It took a while for the bird to turn its head, but when it did, I was ready to get the shot. 🙂
Mike you always delight with images, and I love when you offer reflections on your process: inspiration and encouragement for me to do better with photography. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Andrea. I enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences with others in my blog postings and hope that I am able to encourage folks to look more closely at their surroundings. I take most of my photos in locations that are within about 25 miles of where I live–there is so much to be discovered when we take the time to explore.
Grackle feathers change so much in the light, it is not often we see them like this. You did an excellent job capturing the light on this beauty, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. It is a fun challenge to capture each subject in the best possible light, both literally and figuratively. I like to try to highlight some of the unique characteristics of a subject that many people don’t take the time or look closely enough to notice.
Nice one ,,, let’s follow each other