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photo ©Eric Tilton

So, what's so freakin' cool about grackles? More specifically, what's so cool about great-tailed grackles, the kind you most often see in this part of Texas? Both males and females, in addition to their rather stunning head profiles, also have bright yellow eyes that, on the males, are particularly striking when set against the iridescent black plumage.

Plus, you have to admit, they can cut a pretty striking picture when in flight ...

photo ©Eric Tilton

... or when peering down at you from the top of a dead tree. They're sort of the poor man's crow.

photo ©Eric Tilton