Spring Has Sprung: Red-Winged Blackbirds

One of my favorite signs of spring is the return of the 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.

Red-Winged Blackbirds

The male red-winged blackbirds 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.

As a photographer, this is one of the best times to work with red-winged blackbirds. Early in the season, the males are constantly active, calling, displaying, and chasing off intruders. This gives you plenty of opportunities for behaviour shots.

I like to spend time just watching red-winged blackbirds before I even pick up the camera. You start to notice patterns — a favourite perch, a stretch of cattails they return to, or a spot where the light hits just right in the early morning. Once you see that, it becomes much easier to anticipate the moment when they’ll lift their wings and show off those red patches.

Light plays a big role when photographing red-winged blackbirds. In softer morning or evening light, the reds and yellows really come alive. You can capture that contrast against the dark body in a much more pleasing way.

They may be common, but red-winged blackbirds are one of those subjects that never really gets old. They are a simple, reliable sign that spring has truly arrived.

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