Bobolinks Singing at Condie Nature Refuge

Bobolink, resting on a branch before the rain.  © SB

I've only seen Bobolinks a few times — once common, these grassland birds seem scarcer these days, perhaps because their nesting habitat is being lost.

But today, I saw and heard two lovely male Bobolinks, singing right beside the road into the Condie Nature Refuge, near Regina, SK. One flew off; the other Bobolink stayed and sang.

To me, these birds, relatives of Red-winged and other Blackbirds, have a somewhat clownish appearance, with a soft yellow cap and light back feathers.

And their song is pure gurgling joy!

Storm clouds were rolling over, so the backdrop for these photos is a dark gray, mid-morning sky. 

Bobolink, stretching its body high as it sings. © SB

Partial look at the Bobolink's lighter back feathers © SB

Yes, there were two in this Russian Olive - the one at left, also in pix above, and one at right.  © SB

What are these? Bobolinks
Location: Condie Nature Refuge, near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo date: May 24, 2016

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