Grackle Migration 2014

Looks like migration is in full swing.  I had gone down to my cousin's farm today to take a look at the hawks.  I was almost down to the nest when I heard such a ruckus of birds come in that I started back up to check it out.  Thousands of Grackles! There were a few Red-Winged Blackbirds that were also in with this flock.  They were like a swarm of locust first landing in a newly plowed field where some corn had been left for a wildlife plot.  The sight and sound was amazing.

Regardless of how I attempted to capture the numbers, a single photo could simply not portray their mass.  They alternately swarmed from the field to stands of Pine Trees.  When in the pines, bark rained down as they flipped it off looking for insects.

As they began to move in various locations I walked attempting to follow them.  I was quite upset as they moved towards where the hawks were nesting.  I could here the adults calling and starting jogging towards the area.  The adults were making attempts at keeping them at bay but finally left the nest.  It was ripped apart by the Grackles.  My heart just sank.  I started clapping loudly and the Grackles moved on.

A true example of strength in numbers.