Black birds are here…

Don’t get me wrong, I love the New England winter. But by middle of March I get a little weary of the cold weather and start longing for the warmer, cheerful spring weather. It’s April already, spring has officially begun and I am waiting for trees to start flourishing, flowers to bloom and song birds to return with their cheerful songs.

Last few days I have been hearing and noticing black birds in the wetlands. Red Winged Black Birds are all over, showing off their red feathers and singing their familiar oak-a-lee song. I love to watch their antics in the swamps, jumping from one cat-tail to another. They bring back the energy to the dull, lethargic winter environment. Even though they’re not the most melodious ones, their songs bring a smile on my face. Every time I hear them, I know that spring is in the air and other songs birds will be here very soon…

Red Winged Black Bird, showing off @ Parker River NWR, Newburyport, MA

Common Grackles return to the area along with the RWBBs. They are also heard and seen near the swamps and wetlands. Even though they can actually be a nuisance, I don’t mind them at this time…

Common Grackle @ Westford, MA

Welcome back, black birds…