Male Red-winged Blackbird “Song Spread” – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Morning temps have been on the chilly side recently but that hasn’t slowed down some of the signs of spring’s impending arrival. Marsh Wrens have begun to sing again and male Red-winged Blackbirds have joined the chorus.
Two days ago there were plenty of male Red-winged Blackbirds singing and putting on displays in the marshy areas of Farmington Bay WMA. There were several male blackbirds that were close enough to photograph and I took advantage of that.
I prefer to photograph Red-winged Blackbird males in early morning or late afternoon light because during that time it is easier for digital camera sensors to pick up the fine details in their dark plumage.
It was not long after the sun had risen above the Wasatch Mountains when I spotted and photographed this male Red-winged Blackbird displaying and singing on territory. “Song Spread” is one of the most common displays of male Red-winged Blackbirds, this display can vary from lower to full intensity and may be done without obvious recipients nearby.
Over the next few weeks I know I will be seeing and hearing more Red-winged Blackbirds perched high, singing, displaying and chasing each other and before too long I will also start seeing the females with nesting materials in their bills. The month of February is nearly over and March will be here in a blink of an eye and March is usually when I first start seeing female Red-winged Blackbirds gathering nesting materials.
After a long winter it is refreshing and rejuvenating to see and hear the signs of spring. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the renewal of growth, snow melt and the return of our migrant birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Had a few red-winged blackbirds last week, here in Otsego County, NY. 2 Miles from the Unadilla River ..Today (2/22/20) there were several at my feeders all day long. Come on SPRING !!
Oh wow, such a gorgeous sight and sound. I am hearing the chickadees singing their mating calls but hope they don’t get too excited too soon cause we still have a ways to go for real spring to happen. I am promising myself to get out birding and shooting with my camera more this year.
I think they will be returning to SW CT soon. Within 4 weeks we will likely see them, osprey, and great egrets. Looking forward to Spring…….it’s been a mild Winter, but grey grey grey. Where have our spectacular blue skies gone?
Oooh. And ahhh.
Yet another beauty we don’t see. And thank you.
Summer is (damnit) still in control over here. Changes in the light indicate it might be time for her to head out but she is having none of that.
Very nice photo! The yellow headed make me laugh sometimes they throw their head so far back in their call they fall over! I stopped by the bay yesterday, I did not see many blackbirds at all in the late afternoon. I was hoping for a cacophony of calls.
Beautiful shot!
What an interesting display pose. I really like the composition of this shot, especially the position of Mr. Blackbird on the phrag.
I didn’t realize before that female and immature male ‘Red-winged Blackbirds’ don’t have red and yellow wings on black bodies. I’ve seen plenty of males and will need to start looking more closely for the females and immature males. Thanks for the information. Very nice photo.
Aah, spring is always welcome.
Great photo, Mia.