Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird

Look! There in the bulrushes,
Perched at an angle to the reed,
Is the Red-winged Blackbird
Keeping a close watch on his territory.

How do I know it’s a “he”? Easy.
By the jet-black plumage
And the red and yellow epaulettes
That distinguish him from a “she.”

The female’s feathers are rustic colours
With white patches underneath
And white streaks on the back and wings
That blend in with the surroundings.

See! I spot her sitting in the nest,
All snuggled in, keeping her eggs warm.
Quiet—not moving, not wanting
Anyone to know where she is.

Listen! And hear his three-syllable
“Conk-la-ree” cry piercing the air,
Which can only mean one thing to his mate:
Love! And he will be there for her.

Slowly, I back away,
Not wanting to create a disturbance 
Or cause undue stress
For the birds.

birdenvironmentnatureverse

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Maurice Rigoler

December 16, 2018 at 2:27 PM

One of the earliest birds I made a favorite as boy and which were plentiful in my rural neighborhood. The other bird, the Blue Bird, has long since disappeared. Some ornithologists believe it is extinct? I hope not. Thanks for the post. / M

Dennis Spilchuk

December 18, 2018 at 10:58 AM

It is quite the bird & fun to watch. The 'Blue Bird' isn't native where I live. I read that in the early 1900s it almost went extinct due to habitat breeding destruction, & then their numbers were decimated in the 1970s due to competition with other birds introduced into their habitat. Their numbers are rebounding back due to the efforts of volunteer bird loves.