Common GrackleIn New England, the common grackle is known as the bronze grackle. (Photo David A. Murray)

Early morning light created shimmering sparkles across the small pond. About half the pond had firm, well-defined borders; the remainder of the pond overflowed into the edge of the forest to form a large marsh.

The crisp morning air teemed with song by the avian residents calling back and forth to one another. Many varieties of birds thrive in this pond-marsh-forest habitat. The bio-diversity of this environment produces a large number of both plant and animal food sources.

For some birds, specific food sources and habitats are critical; while for others, diversity provides a smorgasbord of potential meals. One such bird that thrives with an extremely varied diet is the common grackle.

The common grackle is unique among the other members of the family of blackbirds. Although it prefers a marshy habitat, the grackle is one of the most adaptable of all the birds.

The Family Emberizidae and the Subfamily Icterinae is comprised of ninety-five different species, with twenty-three species breeding in North America. This family of birds is exclusively an American family and contains species such as the cowbird, oriole, meadowlark, bobolink, and grackle.

The birds in this family predominantly have pointed bills, however, there are far more differences within this family than similarities. Feather colors, for example, range from yellow and bright orange to iridescent black.

Over time, the common grackle evolved into regional subspecies. A smaller variety (quiscula) has a purple head, greenish back, and can be found in southeastern America, while a larger variety (stonei) with a purple back and mottled head with black, brown, or purple, can be found in the mid-Atlantic states. In New England and west of the Appalachians, the common grackle is known as the bronze grackle (pictured above).

This variety (versicolor) was so named because of the bronze plumage on its back. The male of this species is a beautifully unique bird, although, from a distance, the bird simply appears black. However, up close will reveal not only the bird's bronze back but also an iridescent purplish blue head with bright yellow eyes and a purple tail. The female grackle lacks the vivid iridescent colors of the male; while the juvenile grackle, also dull in color, has more brownish feathers than black or purple.

The bronze grackle is about the same size as a blue jay. Aside from its feather colors and yellow eye, another identifying characteristic is the long wedge-shaped tail. The tail is obvious, as well as helpful, in identifying the grackle when in flight.

The common grackle, found from woodland marshes to city parks, is an extremely adaptable bird when it comes to acceptable habitats.

During migration, grackles will congregate by the hundreds or even thousands. This is most obvious in the urban and city environments. In populated areas these large flocks of grackles can be a menace to backyard bird feeders, as their gregarious behavior and large numbers force most other birds away from the feeders. They are particularly attracted to cracked corn, but in the wild, they dine on a variety of insects, as well as frogs, crayfish, mice, and other bird's eggs and hatchlings.

The call of the common grackle is a distinctive sharp chuck chuck call. Another familiar sound of the grackle is its high-pitched "creaking" song. This song is short and starts with a low bubbling sound followed by a high-pitched leek sound. Once you become familiar with the grackle's call and song, it is unmistakable, even as they fly overhead.

Wildlife watching or photographing grackles can vary in difficulty. The birds are very gregarious and confident, and if in an environment where they don't feel threatened, they can be very approachable. On the other hand, because they are often in flocks, if one bird gets spooked, the whole flock will react immediately.

In the wild, grackles are much more cautious and difficult to approach. Here, you will find birds in smaller flocks or pairs. I prefer to photograph in this type of habitat; not only is it easier to isolate an individual bird, but it also renders a more natural background.

It shouldn't take much exploring of ponds and marshes before you locate a grackle. If the bird is on the ground, keep your approach low to the ground. Adjust your tripod legs to their lowest height and wait for the bird to go about its business, which is usually hunting for insects or some other food.

While hunting distracts the bird, move in closer so when the bird lifts its head you can fire off a few frames. Use your longest telephoto lens and, from an average exposure reading, open up (increase) your exposure by about one or two thirds of a "stop" to bring out the details in the dark feathers.

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