It's Time to Build a Nest

I photographed this female Yellow-headed Blackbird last July.  She was preparing to build her nest and gathering materials for it.  Probably, the nest was almost ready and all that remained was to bring a few dry straws into it.

Yellow-headed blackbirds always build their nests over the water but it's not safe for nestlings who sometimes fall in and have to swim a short distances to vegetation.

I read that the male Yellow-headed Blackbird can attract up to eight females to nest within his area.  The male helps feed nestlings, but usually only in the first nest established in his territory.  The other females have to feed the young all by themselves.

Generally, life is good.