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Wednesday 11 July 2018

Blackbird antics

On our excursions around Prince Edward Island recently, we see Red winged blackbirds around the remains of last year’s cattails. 





Recently, as we picnicked at the New London Lighthouse, we watched the male blackbirds ward off crows who approached areas with blackbird nests.


Our second encounter involves male and female blackbirds. The females are not black or red winged but can often be seen around the cattails as well. Last week, when we stopped by the side of the road to photograph some ducks, a female blackbird landed in the cattails in front of me. She had food in her beak. I stood to watch and photograph her. Even with her beak full, she managed to make a blackbird equivalent of a bleat, then paused, bleated again, on repeat. 





I moved on and returned a few minutes later. Mrs., as I dubbed her, was in a different location. She repeated the same sound. Suddenly, a male blackbird about five meters above and two meters in front of me caught my attention. Mr. sang his best songs, and did aerial acrobatics. I had never seen anything like the dynamics of his movement. Just as quickly he was gone so I looked back for the female. She was gone too.


Was the Mrs. taking the food back to babies in her nest among the cattails? Was the bleat-like sound a call to Mr. to provide a distraction so Mrs. could deliver the food safely? It looked like it. We had seen similar behaviour in a pair of song sparrows too.


The more I watch birds, the more I admire their abilities to work together and as parents. Instinct? Whatever it is, it’s amazing!

34 comments:

DJan said...

I agree with you, Marie. I love to see the parenting skills of birds as they take care of their young. I wonder now, too, what the Mrs. was actually doing. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Lovely birds! They were a common bird in my rural childhood. Now in the city, I haven't seen one for decades.

Linda d said...

1. The lupine picture is stunning. That is lupine right?
2. Lucky girl to watch the birds love dance.
3. How great it is to experience PEI through someone with a love of nature and a talent in photography.

Happy Wednesday Marie.

Anvilcloud said...

What a pleasing post. You are a good observer.

Mage said...

Is that food or is it nest making stuff?

Silver in AZ said...

that's so cool! Most would not be bothered.

Jenn said...

Birds are neat! I see these red winged blackbirds often, usually when I am driving, they seem to be around the ditches and roadsides. The bright red always catches my eye.

William Kendall said...

They're remarkable birds.

Celia said...

We have lots of the redwinged variety here but I don't think I've noticed the females. I need to sharpen my observational skills :-). Really enjoy your pictures.

Elephant's Child said...

I am awed and amazed at bird's parenting skills. I suppose that there probably are 'bad' bird parents but haven't seen them. I DID know a bad cat parent growing up. She had her kittens walking down the hall (shrieking) and walked away and never looked back. Fortunately we had another mama cat at the time who took them in. And the first cat had the operation and never looked back.

Bill said...

What a wonderful bird story. They are so interesting to watch.
Thanks for sharing.

Debbie said...

everything about them is amazing. beautiful pictures of the black birds, i love the way they balance...

and i LOVE your new header!!

Rhodesia said...

Lovely post and great photos. Well done, take care Diane

PerthDailyPhoto said...

You were so lucky to catch them Marie, how nice of them to pose for you ☺ I also admire their ability to work together and get things organised!

Angela said...

Thank you so much for sharing about nature around where you live. Your photos are great. I like the new banner you have for the blog! Beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Delaware has lots of red winged blackbirds. I had no idea that is what the females look like. Andrea

Marie Smith said...

I don’t know Jan but she wouldn’t do anything while I was there watching.

Marie Smith said...

I see them in the countryside here Debra.

Marie Smith said...

Those are lupines in the header. We call them lupins Linda.

Thank you for visiting the island with me Linda. I am happy to take you along.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you AC.

Marie Smith said...

It was food Mage. In another photo, it looked like a moth.

Marie Smith said...

It was such an interesting encounter SW. i always stop to watch birds. They always surprise me.

Marie Smith said...

The males are the ones who get most of the attention Jenn. The females are more elusive.

Marie Smith said...

They are indeed William.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Celia. The females are harder to see but if you’re patient, you’ll see them too.

Marie Smith said...

That was unusual behaviour for a cat from my experience EC. I guess there are good and bad parents in every species, like you said.

Marie Smith said...

Love watching these amazing creatures Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Debbie. The blackbirds are wonderful entertainment!

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Diane.

Marie Smith said...

They are amazing birds PDP.

Marie Smith said...

THank you Angela. I hope all is well with you.

Marie Smith said...

The females are more elusive but if you’re patient, you’ll see them too Andrea.

jenny_o said...

Intriguing . . . animal behavior is so interesting if one watches closely.

Marie Smith said...

It sure is Jenny!