Snapshots: Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds are a very common bird and they are here in abundance to claim territory and mates. The males stake out a nest site and warn off others by flashing their bright epaulets.

Intruders are chased if warnings don’t work.

Females, who look like a different species, are spending their time building nests and getting ready to raise chicks. This female is gathering the fluff from old cattails to line her nest.