Notes From the Edge of the Swamp

 

This Red-winged blackbird caught my attention right away. It moved from one dry marsh stem to another, balancing carefully and gripping with both feet as it searched for insects. I was watching its small acrobatic tricks and marveled by how much joy such a simple scene could bring.

During a warm winter the Red-winged Blackbirds often probe into the mud and along submerged marsh stems. Insects appear to take precedence over seeds.

Generally, life is good.

Male Red-winged Blackbirds

 

Male Red-winged blackbirds are fierce birds.  They are highly territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, spending more than half the day defending their territory.

Don't enter my territory or you will get in trouble.  

Generally, life is good.

How Do Red-winged Blackbirds Survive During Winter

 

I wrote about the spring rituals of Red-wing Blackbirds but never mentioned how they survive during harsh cold winter months.

Blackbirds live in wetlands.  In summer their diet is variety of bugs and insects but when winter comes they have to search for different seeds and, of course, being a wetland bird, for cattail seeds.

When winter days are getting colder, Red-wing Blackbirds become more scarce on the Bear River MBR.  They head to nearby agricultural fields to find grains and roadside weeds.

Winter is a difficult time for these wonderful birds.

Life goes on.