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A Mystery

Bird identification is a mystery to me.. A while back, I came across this handsome bird in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, I have rummaged through bird images trying to figure out what it is. Here it is months later and I am still not sure. Is it a blackbird, a grackle, or something else entirely? I don’t know, do you?

A very different bird captured on the island of Maui was featured on “Bird of Many Colors.”

All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.

Posted for Bird of the Week and Ragtag Daily Prompt – Rummage

19 responses to “A Mystery”

  1. Bird Conferences – Heaven's Sunshine

    […] Other birds were featured on “A Mystery.“ […]

    Reply
  2. WanderingCanadians Avatar
    WanderingCanadians

    This reminds me, I really should get a bird identification guide!

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Following the advice of other bloggers, I finally got the Merlin ID and it has been so helpful. 😉

      Reply
  3. tanjabrittonwriter Avatar
    tanjabrittonwriter

    Don’t feel bad. Distinguishing female blackbirds can be challenging, from female Red-winged Blackbirds to Cowbirds to Grackles. Nice photo.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Tanja. Yes, they are a bit challenging to identify. 😊

      Reply
  4. I. J. Khanewala Avatar
    I. J. Khanewala

    I don’t know anything about the bird’s of the America’s, but you can’t go wrong in north America if you use the Merlin app on your phone. L9vely birdvand photo

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thank you! Sharon also has convinced me to try the Merlin app. Sounds like an incredible tool. 😊

      Reply
  5. Sheryl Craig Russell Avatar
    Sheryl Craig Russell

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these. Interesting looking fellow.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Glad to introduce you to a female grackle. 😁

      Reply
  6. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    I agree with Jet https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great-tailed_Grackle/overview

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks for the link. It was so helpful. I knew about the Cornell site but had forgotten about it somewhere along the way. 😏

      Reply
      1. sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog Avatar
        sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog

        The Merlin app they put out is great. You can upload a photo and they give you possibilities in order of likelihood. Sometimes only one choice is given. You also type it where you saw it.

        Reply
        1. Pepper Avatar
          Pepper

          Oh, that sounds perfect! Headed over to download the app on my phone. Thank you so much for your help, Sharon.

          Reply
          1. sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog Avatar
            sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog

            When you type in location it’s only within the app. You are not sharing your photo and where you saw it with everyone. Location helps the app identify the bird. It also asks for date. That also helps the app because of migration and where birds spend time which months of the year.

            Reply
            1. Pepper Avatar
              Pepper

              Good to know! Thank you so much. 😊

              Reply
          2. sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog Avatar
            sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog

            You can also identify it by recording the bird songs you record. It tells you live what made the sound.

            Reply
            1. Pepper Avatar
              Pepper

              Amazing! It will like having a professional birder in my pocket while hiking. 😉

              Reply
  7. Jet Eliot Avatar
    Jet Eliot

    Hi Pepper, this is a female great-tailed grackle. Lovely photo.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks so much for your help, Jet. I thought it might be a grackle. 😁

      Reply

Thoughtful words accomplish much.

error: All photos are copyrighted by Pepper Tron (aka Irene Tron & Heavens Sunshine). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is prohibited.