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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
In his territory.
How do I know it’s a “he”? Easy.
By the jet black plumage
And red, 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
‘Oh-ka-leee’cry piercing the air,
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.
Copyright ©
Dennis Spilchuk
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