Delightful Visitor To The Pier

   Early this morning, Mark and I thought we might catch a redfish from the piece of the pier that is still intact.  We did not.  Nary a fish wanted to come that close to shore being as it was low tide.  Regardless, we enjoyed our time on the pier and the sunrise did not disappoint.  We sat in awe of the beauty laid out before us.  While we were watching the sun peep over the pines on the far side of the Bayou, a whirring of wings told us that a flock of blackbirds had settled into the marsh just beyond us.  I love the Red-winged Blackbirds as much as any other bird and was excited that they had come to visit.  What I did not know was that the local birds had brought a special guest.

  A lone bird flew to the tallest post on my brother's pier.  Thinking this was "just another blackbird", I actually hesitated before deciding to photograph our visitor.  Once I did, the bird's beauty struck me.  Wow!  That was no ordinary Bayou Blackbird!  I tried to photograph the bird but the dimness of the morn and the distance between the piers did not allow for clear shots.  I needed at least one picture to be clear enough for me to identify the bird.  Please let one turn out ok!  I thought I knew the bird but had doubts.

  Don't ask me how I knew that the bird was a Yellow-headed Blackbird but I did.  This bird is far east of its natural range.  It is unusual to see one past the Texas/Louisiana border and even more so to find one here on the Mississippi Coast. When I saw the bird, knew it was not supposed to be here but knew exactly what it was. I have never seen one before but the name seemed to fit.  It was easy to see that it was a type of blackbird simply by one particular action.  The bird "stood" like a blackbird.  Every blackbird that I have ever seen stand the same!  It is like the "Universal Blackbird Standing Position"!  When I finally was able to view my pictures, most were a disappointment but a few were clear enough to identify the bird and I was correct!  Oh, sweet bird!  You are more than welcome to call the Bayou home.  We welcome you!