Spring has very much sprung here in Atlanta. Migrants are passing through. Bluebirds are building a nest in my backyard box. And all kinds of birds are emulating this red-winged blackbird; strutting their stuff to attract a mate.
I get red-winged blackbirds regularly in my backyard, but I’ve never seen once putting on a display like this. I took this photo last May at the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival outside of Toledo, Ohio. If you go—and you should, if you can—you’ll not only see more warblers than you ever thought possible. You’ll also see many other larger passerines, such as orioles and different types of blackbirds.
I didn’t hang around long enough to learn if this hard-working guy was successful that day. But no doubt he found a lady bird eventually. Who could resist?
If spring hasn’t come to your house yet—I’m looking at you, Minneapolis—don’t worry. It will be there soon. In the meantime, let’s all get out their in our spring finery and try to put as much color into the world as our fine feathered friends!