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Blog Entry 45 of 56 Outdoors in Wichita Falls

About the living things in and around Wichita Falls and those that enjoy them. What can be seen and where. Events and activities focused on this interest.

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The Big Black Birds

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Contributed by: Penny Miller on 4/1/2008

I was driving down Lawrence Road on Sunday and saw a male Great-tailed Grackle at the side of the road, obviously injured. He was not able to stand, and therefore, unable to fly. I know a lot of people don't care for the big, black iridescent birds, but they are truly one of my favorites. I took him up to Wild Bird Rescue, where hopefully, he will recover from his paralysis and be released.

At this time of year, I enjoy watching the Great-tailed grackle males showing off for their potential mates. They raise their heads to one another in a show of dominance and follow the ladies all fluffed up. They fly up in mock battles. I also enjoy the noise they make, although I know many others do not. It reminds me of my two short trips to Panama, where they woke me up outside my window each morning. Panama is such a beautiful place, any association is bound to be pleasant.

Baby great-tailed grackles remind me of baby pterodactyls--all gangly and awkward. Truly an appearance only a mother could love.

But you can have too much of a good thing. Grackles and other blackbirds like to roost in groups, which results in masses of noisy and very messy birds in some areas of town. Those who don't care for great-tailed grackles should consider changing their yards. Grackles and similar birds like open lawns with a few large trees--a typical yard. More shrubbery and an understory breaking up the expanse of lawn will help deter these birds.

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