Grackle

I have a gang of common grackles that are hanging around this summer. Probably because unlike last summer, this summer I've continued to fling birdseed out on the ground under the maple tree. And I have kept the bark butter feeder filled. Despite, mind you, at least three visits from the local bear. He's pretty good about leaving when the dogs bark and we shout at him, so he hasn't actually found anything to eat yet - but I guess he can smell that there is food, or has been - so hope springs eternal.

Anyway - grackles. I rather like them. I love their eyes and profile. In the shade like this one they only look black, but in the sun they are lovely purples and blues and greens.