Red-winged Blackbirds Singing
Adult Red-winged Blackbird male singing in February – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I drove to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday morning where I heard male Red-winged Blackbirds singing in the marsh.
Usually at this time of year I’d write something like “After a long winter it is refreshing and rejuvenating to see and hear the signs of spring” but this winter hasn’t been a normal winter at all. We haven’t had anywhere near our normal snowfall yet this season in northern Utah and it is now the first of February.
Hearing the male Red-winged Blackbirds singing in the marshes was an auditory treat and a reminder that spring is just around the corner. The blackbirds have called throughout the winter. Yesterday’s songs were the first I have heard this year.
Why Their Songs Were Jarring For Me
U.S. Drought Monitor – Utah
I felt joy and sadness when I heard the blackbirds singing yesterday morning. Joy because I know that spring is on the way and so are our migratory birds. Sadness because we were already in a drought when winter started and the lack of snow in both the low and higher altitudes this winter is only going to make the drought worse. Here in Utah we need the snow in the higher elevations to fill the reservoirs that provide our drinking water.
So I am torn. I am looking forward to hearing more birds singing spring songs because that is normal and after 2020 anything “normal” feels wonderful and soothing but we also need more winter and more importantly we desperately need more snow.
I hate to sound all “doom and gloom” so soon after hearing my first of the year male Red-winged Blackbirds singing but I also see the reality that is in front of us. That reality is that climate change is real and that its impacts are already evident where I live.
This year instead of wishing for spring’s arrival I am hoping that winter will finally arrive with the snow that we need so badly.
Mia
The Red-winged Blackbird photo above was taken in February of 2020 at Farmington Bay WMA.
To view more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
Beautiful Red-Winged Blackbird. And horrific state drought map. (Sorry, I couldn’t put both in the same sentence.) Utah looks like CA did a few years ago, although almost our entire state is in some level of drought still. It is a scary to live in a world in which so many people deny scientific evidence.
It was fun to hear them singing yesterday. You have a nice balance in the light on your photo. My blackbird did not turn out as well. Yes it is dry and I am concerned.
I so understand your mixed feelings. We have had a much wetter summer than is usual – and still some parts of my country are in drought. I do hope that you get the necessary moisture from the skies and how I wish that more politicians would realise that climate change is real – and take some meaningful action.
Yes! so right on the climate change message…and sad. The chart showing your drought levels was remarkable. These days, in Vermont, you never quite know anymore what winter will look like and what that means for spring.
We have had a lot of reports of male Red-winged Blackbirds overwintering in Niagara along with Common Grackles. Definitely a sign of climate change. Your map of the drought areas is downright scary.