Immature Red-winged Blackbird

[Mike Milicia]

EOS-1D Mk IV, 500mm f/4 + 1.4xII, 1/640, f/8, ISO 400
Full Frame

Photographed Friday evening at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA.

Can anyone confirm the age of this bird?
From what I have researched, I'm thinking Second Year Male?

Looking forward to your comments and critiques!

[Stu Bowie]

Mike, nicely framed between the bull rushes, with a nice pose. Good job with the exposure on the blacks, sharp, and he really stands out against the colourful BG.

[Dumay de Boulle]

Nicely framed by the two bullrushes...Lovely light and BG. Sharp and good exp...Nice one Mike

[Allen Sparks]

Don't know about the age of the bird but I really like this shot. Great detail on the bird, great comp with those bullrushes and super BG. well done.

[Dave Leroy]

Excellent job on isolating the bird. Composition including framing is lovely.

Very nice job on the exposure as well.

A great shot.

Dave

[Doug Brown]

The nice light really helps maximize detail in the blacks. Good sharpness, and nice habitat. I might remove the bit of sky from the ULC.

[Randy Stout]

Mike:

Excellent BG, with caveat by Doug, nice perch with framing element too. Sharp, well exposed.

I believe you are correct on age.

Was just out yesterday, and the RWB were really active.

Cheers

Randy

[Melissa Groo]

Stunning light and detail, Mike. This is a rare example where a bird really works well in the middle of the frame. Superb BG and sense of habitat.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Mike, very well done on the comp. and exp.... Great light and BG.