Male bobolink (Dolichonyx orizivorus)
Sometimes when my husband and I are out birding we meet the sharing-est (is there such a word?) birders who tell us about little-known places such as this field where bobolinks return every year to nest. We were in the area at just the perfect time to see many males perched on weeds guarding their females and eggs. Even though it doesn't look like it, they were quite far out in the fields. Yes, I used my zoom lens but I have also cropped the photos to help you see these unusual-looking birds.
Apparently this time of year bobolinks are the only North American birds with black chests and white on on their backs but, when identifying them, I look for the dull yellow patch on the back of the male's head. In a few weeks - after breeding - his feathers will be a drab yellowish brown with bold black stripes, his camouflage colours.
Still singing!
This guy is sitting atop weeds in a hayfield, his mate close by in a nest on the ground, well hidden in the tall grass.
37 comments:
Thanks to you Camera Girl I learned about bobolinks. I had never seen or heard of them until I read your post. Keep on clicking.
Nice find on that field!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Great sighting and photos. I have been looking all over for one of these birds.
Great sighting and photos. I have been looking all over for one of these birds.
Super shots. Only ever seen one Bobolink - here in the UK after it was blown across the Atlantic to end up on the Isles of Scilly. It wasn't as colourful as your male though, just a dull looking autumn juvenile.
he sure does have a lot to say
Many of the stories i read as a kid had bobolinks in them. I don't think I've ever seen one, until now, that is (thank you)
Thanks for the information - thinking about a special valley is kinda "magical" - (yes, i work with kids a lot - I even tell a story about the "valley of the birds" - having nothing to do with bobolinks - at least until now . . )
My mind is still thinking about the males protecting the females in the nest below . . .
I'm wealthier because of you . . thanks again.
-g-
it has been many years since i heard there song, they are so sweet with their mouths wide open..
I learn, and I love!
Nice Sunday
Elisa, Argentina
We rarely hear bobolinks in our Eastern Ontario area anymore, so I'm glad to hear you found some out your way. I love their bubbly, warbly song.
Thanks for being sharing-est about the Bobolink. I've never seen one.
Wonderful! Bob bob bobing along!
He is really belting out a song,by the looks of it. They are a unique,yet pretty bird.
New bird to me. You framed it well.
At the top of its voice!
i loved these birds from my wisconsin youth - used to wander out across the fields to the creek and would love to hear their odd burbling song!
Love those Bobolinks! Earlier this month I saw several just before leaving Illinois, but they were always bouncing across the sky above my head.
Nice shots! It looks like he has a lot to say.
That's a new one to me. Very cool!
I shared photos of the one lone bobolink I sighted a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know what it was, searching my Texas Bird Guide...nothing in my book about them, then after ID'ing it, I found out they weren't supposed to BE in Texas.
Excellent image share
so unusual, he has a white neck. Thanks for sharing it. :)
Awesome sighting, would have loved to be there and see it for myself too!
Great find EG! I haven't seen one these for years!
Nice captures EG. I have noticed a flock of bobolinks in the field/hedgerows across the road from our house the past week or 2. They sing a lot and the trees are full of birds. I don't think I've noticed this many here before.
Such a change of colour that they undergo! Thanks for sharing.
We saw these one spring at the strip pits, and I have watched for them ever since. Wish I could see them again.
Isn't it amazing how birds change their plumage over the seasons. Nice images.
He is certainly an interesting looking bird, like his plumage on his head.
Wonderful shots. He does not look happy.
Fab pictures!
He is singing (shouting?:) out! Amazing detail and I love its name. Despite hearing of the bird, this is the first time I've seen it. Beautiful!
Beautiful, he certainly doesn't hold back!
This is great shots!
Nice to see!
nice bird ! :)
this is indeed a newbie - don't think I've heard of it online before; great snapshots
I've been lucky enough to have them in my pasture the last two years. I couldn't tell you what they look like without their showy mating plumage.
What a find.
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