Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most abundant birds in the United States, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Watching their territorial strutting, singing, and chasing intruders is fascinating this time of year.
The males, like many in the animal world, are the colorful ones. The females look a little like a large sparrow. This guy has claimed the storm water pond near my home as his own. He takes on all comers - even crows and the occasional great blue heron that wings in. His buddies seem to show up from nowhere to help chase off an intruder. I haven't seen a female or nest but I think I know where it is. In another week or so, there should be a baby or two around.
When Padme the wonderdog and I skirt the fence surrounding the pond, he hops from fence post to fence post about 10 feet from us. Occasionally flying to the tallest part of a street tree, then soaring across the pond to strut and sing for the ladies from the far side of the golden pond.
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