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Post by pontiac1940 on May 11, 2023 4:20:43 GMT
Beautiful shots Clive - didn't realize the coloring Grackles had . . thanks for sharing! Thanks Dan. This grackle was in an aspen tree in our yard late this afternoon. No color changes. Just levels adjustments.   |
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Post by dandc on May 11, 2023 6:09:03 GMT
Nice shots Clive - Seems like the grackles I've seen (and I had never seen - or heard - one before a couple years ago) had a longer tail than those in your photos. I remember that as it's most noticeable feature actually. Now I'll have to pay closer attention the next time I run across one.
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Post by pontiac1940 on May 11, 2023 15:58:04 GMT
Seems like the grackles I've seen (and I had never seen - or heard - one before a couple years ago) had a longer tail than those in your photos. I They could be great-tailed grackles or boat-tailed grackles...we do not have these. See here and then "Compare with similar species." I am not a huge fan of grackles as they are aggressive at the feeders at our summer place...they chase the finches away. Oh well. |
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Post by VickiD on May 11, 2023 20:58:28 GMT
Grackles are ok in moderation, but I hated the fact that a cloud of them would swoop in and clean out all my feeders! They brought a few of their relatives (red-winged blackbirds) with them, too! But there's no denying they look nice in the sun.
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Post by dandc on May 12, 2023 0:05:52 GMT
Seems like the grackles I've seen (and I had never seen - or heard - one before a couple years ago) had a longer tail than those in your photos. I They could be great-tailed grackles or boat-tailed grackles...we do not have these. See here and then "Compare with similar species." I am not a huge fan of grackles as they are aggressive at the feeders at our summer place...they chase the finches away. Oh well. Thanks Clive - that makes sense. I've seen Great-tailed Grackles and not the Common species. Interesting that the online guide on Audubon just lists the Common Grackle for my state but I've only seen the Great-tailed. Your link does show them in my area though. |
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Post by pontiac1940 on May 12, 2023 3:13:03 GMT
Grackles are ok in moderation, but I hated the fact that a cloud of them would swoop in and clean out all my feeders! They brought a few of their relatives (red-winged blackbirds) with them, too! But there's no denying they look nice in the sun. Yup. They are okay around home as we stop feeding in April. They chase the goldfinches away at the summer place. And I need to come out of retirement to keep the feeders supplied.  |
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cjt
Established Forum Member
Posts: 334 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by cjt on May 12, 2023 18:51:17 GMT
i.ibb.co/g657V3r/stokes-squirrel-proof-bird-feeder-w-4feeding.jpgThere is one thing you can try. Some of the squirrel proof feeders will discourage grackles. Stokes is one brand that I know of that has worked for me. Or, feed thistle seed. This can be in fine screened feeders that Goldfinch and other similar small birds can get. cjt
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