The Blackbird Tree
Redwing blackbirds perch momentarily on the branches of an old tree above wetland ponds.
This tree and I have a rather long history. I have photographed at this location for a long time, certainly longer than a decade. It is one of my favorite places to photograph in the winter, when migratory birds arrive in California. This normally involves driving very slowly along rural roads in wetlands while watching out for photographic opportunities. Way back when I started I used to stop frequently at this tree at the corner of a large pond. One winter the top half of the tree broke off, leaving a pretty ugly little snag.
Needless to say, I was quite disappointed. But fast forward a number of years and the broken snag has sprouted brand new branches which now almost mirror the shape of the original tree. It seems to be a favorite hangout for small blackbirds, the redwing and tricolor blackbirds that are so common in this area — birds that sing perhaps the most exuberant bird song I know of.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
The Blackbird Tree
Redwing blackbirds perch momentarily on the branches of an old tree above wetland ponds.
This tree and I have a rather long history. I have photographed at this location for a long time, certainly longer than a decade. It is one of my favorite places to photograph in the winter, when migratory birds arrive in California. This normally involves driving very slowly along rural roads in wetlands while watching out for photographic opportunities. Way back when I started I used to stop frequently at this tree at the corner of a large pond. One winter the top half of the tree broke off, leaving a pretty ugly little snag.
Needless to say, I was quite disappointed. But fast forward a number of years and the broken snag has sprouted brand new branches which now almost mirror the shape of the original tree. It seems to be a favorite hangout for small blackbirds, the redwing and tricolor blackbirds that are so common in this area — birds that sing perhaps the most exuberant bird song I know of.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.