Red-winged Blackbirds Return 2018

As I walked out this morning, I thought I heard an oak-a-leeee! I stopped and listened, but heard nothing more. Could my imagination be playing tricks on me? But no, I spotted several red-wings, foraging along the riverbank! After a long string of March return dates, last year the red-wings returned in the midst of a February mild spell. We are again experiencing a February thaw, with the temperature today at 10 degrees celsius. Here is the record of past return dates:

2018: February 21st
2017: February 23rd
2016: March 6th
2015: March 21st
2014: March 15th
2013: March 10th
2012: March 3rd
2011: March 10th
2010: March 10th
2009: March 7th

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Red-wings Return, 2017.

We are in the midst of an unseasonable warm spell. There have been robins in the area, probably over-winterers, and flocks of Canada geese have been flying over, headed north. Today, as I sat by the window reading a book, I glanced out and there was a treetop full of red-winged blackbirds! So that’s it, it is officially spring. Here are arrival dates for Red-wings at Willow House over the past few years.

2016: March 6th
2015: March 21st
2014: March 15th
2013: March 10th
2012: March 3rd
2011: March 10th
2010: March 10th
2009: March 7th

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Welcome, Mr. RWB!

When I went out the door this morning, on my way to the barn to feed the horses, my ears picked up a joyous sound. The call of Red-winged Blackbirds! There was a flock of a dozen or so birds swaying on branches high up in a maple tree. They took off before I could grab my camera, but later in the morning I was able to get a picture of the fellow above, an official record of the first Red-wing of spring. According to the calendar, spring doesn’t arrive until the 20th, but for all of us who watch for the first Red-wing, the march to summer has officially begun.

Today it is mild, 3 degrees C (about 37 F) and snow is rapidly melting. It would be very pleasant were it not for the wild wind that is howling. It’s hard to capture wind in a still photograph, but the shot of this little White Pine will give you an idea of the force of the wind. That poor little tree! It’s had a tough winter. On at least three occasions, it has been so burdened by the weight of ice and wet snow, its crown has bowed down and touched the ground. I hope that over the summer it will be able to straighten up and grow stronger, ready to face next winter with a little more fortitude.

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