The Red-winged Blackbird
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 6
The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the first birds to return in spring. Males usually arrive first, picking spots in marshes or wetlands. They sit on cattails and bushes, showing off the bright red and yellow on their shoulders to stand out and claim their space.
Red-winged Blackbird - Mud Lake (Ottawa)
Females show up a bit later and look completely different. They’re brown and streaky, and blend in well with the reeds. Their nests are tucked low and hidden—deep little cups made with grass and twigs.
These birds are really protective. I've seen males chase off other birds—and even people—who get too close. One male might have a few nests around him, each cared for by a different female. When the breeding season ends, they gather in flocks and look for seeds and insects. They fly south for winter but always come back.
