Yellow-Headed Blackbird

I went birding yesterday with a friend and we stopped at Jim Hamm Nature Area in Longmont, CO. These beautiful Yellow-headed Blackbirds entertained us with their singing and acrobatic  abilities. And, they also brought back fond memories of when I saw them for the very first time. They were in the ponds across the road from Jackson Lake Lodge.

That was in July of 1985. We were living in Louisiana and took another vacation to the Tetons in Wyoming. 

After many years of vacationing out west we decided to move from Louisiana to Colorado. So in January of 1986 we make the move. The magic and wonder of the west along with its wildlife captured our hearts. 

Thanks for the memories guys!

A little information on Jim Hamm Nature Area:

Originally developed in 1976, the Jim Hamm Nature Area comprises 24 acres, including a 14-acre pond. This land was donated in 1974 by the Hamm family in memory of USAF Captain Jim Hamm who was shot down over Vietnam in 1968 and to honor all St. Vrain Valley Veterans who fought in that war. Jim spent his youth exploring and appreciating the wild environment that once was part of his grandfather’s farm (Elmer Montgomery). The pond at the site is a designated bird sanctuary that welcomes a variety of waterfowl throughout the year.