A male yellow-headed blackbird balances itself on a reed during a breeze. In early spring, marshes across the western United States echo with the grating calls of yellow-headed blackbirds. These flashy birds with their striking yellow and black plumage pick out nesting spots, perch and display on prominent stalks to attract mates. At this time, they are highly visible and make a pretty sight in the new spring vegetation.
The last pelican in an earlier group approaches the feeding area as the next group gathers in the background. Pelicans come to feed in multiple smaller groups rather than one big group. The solitary pelican in the foreground has the appearance of a general surveying his troupes before battle.
