Spring Has Sprung: Red-Winged Blackbirds

Here in Michigan, it still remains unusually chilly for this time of year, but spring is definitely on the way. The days are getting longer, bird song fills the morning air, and the trees are beginning to show their buds.

One of my favorite signs of spring is the return of the red-winged blackbirds.

Red-Winged Blackbirds

The males usually arrive in early March and start to stake out territory in every bit of cattail marsh they can find. Within a week or so, they are everywhere; every roadside ditch seems to have its own resident male.

Each bird announces its claim with loud calls and by flashing their bright red shoulder patches.

For the next few weeks, he will vigorously defend his territory from rival males. All this, in the hopes that he and his patch of cattails will be met with approval by one of the females that will be returning in the next few weeks, looking for a mate and a nice place to raise a family.

The Red-Winged Blackbird’s Western Cousin

Here is a shot of the Red-winged Blackbird’s western cousin, the Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Good Luck & Good Light!

Steve & Nicole