We were so surprised last spring to see the Red-winged Blackbirds come into our yard and eat from the bird feeders. I always thought that they only lived by the water and the marsh. I had no idea they frequented people’s yards. (Click on blog link for other photos.)
They always give a call from a nearby tree to let us know that they are coming by. It is really cool. I love their call, “Conk-a-ree!” It is so distinctive. Have you ever heard their call?
The female Red-winged Blackbird is totally different in her coloring, as you can see in this photo of her at the feeder. Isn’t she gorgeous?
We recently enjoyed listening to and watching male red-winged blackbirds at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, but we didn’t know how to identify females. Now we know what to look for!
I identify them by the white stripe over their eye!