Male Red-winged Blackbird Singing In A Marsh

One week ago, my ears were delighted to hear this male Red-winged Blackbird singing and calling on the marsh at Farmington Bay WMA. His display was mesmerizing.

Male Red-winged Blackbird singing in February – Nikon D500, f8, 1/400, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Male Red-winged Blackbirds are striking with their glossy black plumage and red and yellow epaulets; they stand out in the field. Their calls and songs floating over the marsh are a true auditory delight for me.

Typically, at this time of the year, I might have had snow in the background of this photo. But this hasn’t been a typical winter at all.

The day I photographed this male blackbird started off cold, but as the sun rose, the temperature rose quickly. I had already peeled off my jacket by the time I had this blackbird in my viewfinder.

Very soon the male Red-winged Blackbirds will be displaying, singing, and calling more frequently for the females. Just the thought of that makes me happy.

This species is abundant across much of North America, but I try to never take them for granted. I spent a lot of my childhood and early adulthood in Europe where I didn’t see this species. That taught me to appreciate them whenever I have them in my viewfinder. That is a gift that being a Military Brat gives that other people might not understand as well.

The Yellow-headed Blackbirds will be joining the Red-winged Blackbirds on the marshes and wetlands, adding their “rusty gate swinging in the wind” calls. Yes, the marshes will be filled with songs and calls very soon.

Spring isn’t all that far away now.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-winged Blackbird photos plus facts and information about this species.