August 29, 2012:This is a quick sketch of a
Great-Tailed Grackle, also known as a Mexican
Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus).

Another day, I will do a color painting to try
and capture the brilliant range of colors in his
black, "purply-green iridescent" body and extra
long tail.

Usually, when I see grackles, it's in Spring-
time; and, there's a flock. This guy was solo
and quite vocal; in fact, it was his raucous
cackle that first caught my attention.
Fascinating to watch, he casually strutted
around on long delicate legs, putting one foot
in front of the other (rather than hopping
like some birds).

Even though he kept his bright yellow eyes on
me at all times, he was either very brave or not
the slightest bit afraid of my presence (I'm
guessing it was the latter).

He seemed pleased when I complimented him
on his impressive tail; as he put a little extra
'pomp' into his parade, while foraging
for seeds in our yard.