Rusty Blackbird

This species nests in boreal Canada and winters in marshes in the eastern half of the lower 48 states, so I jumped at the opportunity to photograph this vagrant individual in Coastal California. The bird favored the beach outflow of a coast creek, and I was able to generate the smooth, golden surrounds by getting into the water and belly crawling towards the subject. I saw this species semi-regularly when I lived in the Northeastern US, but I have a newfound appreciation for it after this unforgettable encounter. The bird was present for less than 24 hours; it was flushed by a Peregrine Falcon while I was shooting and never resurfaced. Stoked I went when I did!

Gazos Creek, San Mateo County, California, 10/28/20
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II on EOS 1DX Mark II
1/2500 at f/7.1, ISO 1000