In the last few weeks, the Common Grackles have made their way back to D.C. These birds are iridescent with a raucous call, and are really fun to photograph. Their populations are decreasing and they are listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
You’ll find them in all types of terrains across the Eastern U.S., urban and suburban areas, and they even visit feeders. I read that they will clean their nests by dropping off white sacs of waste from their young in the nearest body of water–often a pool! Fortunately they only do this a couple weeks a year, but it may be pretty pesky for a pool owner.
I’ve been able to capture some great photos of them at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Enjoy!
There are soooo many around us now!! It’s a Grackle attackle!!