Countdown To Spring - Day Six

By Kimberly J. Epp

Today, the stunning Red-winged Blackbird is on the countdown. They are one of our early migrants, and may arrive back to our area anywhere between February and May, but generally most have arrived by March. The male returns to the nesting grounds prior to the female, and migrates after the female in the fall. Blackbirds migrate in large flocks to and from the USA and Mexico.

Male Red-winged Blackbird (photo by Krista Routledge).

The Red-winged Blackbird nests in loose colonies in wetland habitats. Anywhere there are cattails, you are bound to find them. The males attract a female by having large and attractive territories that are full of resources. Females typically mate with the territory holder, although they will sometimes mate with nearby males.

The nest is built among vertical shoots of marsh vegetation such as cattails, rushes, and grasses - or in willows and trees. The nest is constructed entirely by the female over three to six days. The cup nest is built with wet old leaves and decaying wood. Two to four eggs are laid, incubated entirely by the female, and hatch in 11 to 12 days. The fledgelings leave the nest 11 to 14 days after hatching. The adults protect their mates, their young and other small birds by chasing away predators.

Female Red-winged Blackbird (photo by Krista Routledge).

In animal symbolism, seeing a Red-winged Blackbird means that you need to draw out from your inner self your beautiful YOU. If you feel stressed out these days, looking for Spring birds is a great way to calm oneself. Plaxton Lake (Wakamow) is a good local place to see early migrants such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Canada Goose.

Male Red-winged Blackbird singing on a cool day (photo by Mukul Soman).