We don't see grackles very often in our neighbourhood. Other parts of town do have regular visits by them, but this is only the third time I've seen a grackle in our yard in 25 years living here.

Today three of them showed up together, poking at the supply of peanuts that the bluejays considered their own. And the jays chased them away.

In the few minutes they were here, I hoped to get a turnbuckle portrait. No such luck. The closest was this extravagant pose atop the clothesline pole.