On June 8, 2024, Bhavna and I drove to the Ocean City Welcome Center. It was an exceptional day for bird-watching. The weather was perfect – clear blue skies and a comfortable 25°C (77°F). As I strolled through the area below the welcome centre, I spotted two beautiful Boat-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus major).
The first grackle caught my eye as it perched atop a tree. Its iridescent plumage glistened in the sunlight, displaying an array of deep blues and purples. I couldn’t resist capturing a few shots, enjoying how the light accentuated its feathers against the clear sky.
A short while later, I noticed another grackle wading through a nearby marsh. This one moved slowly through the shallow water, its reflection creating a beautiful mirror image. The grackle's colours shimmered against the greenery and water. I stood and watched it move.
I identified these birds using iNaturalist and the Cornell Labs Merlin ID app, confirming they were indeed Boat-tailed Grackles. The grackle does not have the vibrant colours of warblers or the majesty of egrets and herons, but in its own way, it’s an attractive bird.
