There are lots of Red-winged Blackbird (RWBB) nests in our wetland at this time of year – and they’re easily recognizable. 
The females have expended enormous energy and time building these intricate woven baskets, slung between the upright branches of low marsh shrubs. 
Here is one of the busy moms sitting on her eggs – and her chicks are just about ready to hatch!
These hungry hatchlings in a nearby nest are only 2-3 days old. Red-winged Blackbird chicks are altricial, meaning that, “When the eggs hatch, the young are blind, uncoordinated, and dependent on care from adults.” (BioKids)
Both male and female feed the young – this little brood is getting a tasty, fat green worm!
I was so excited to witness this exchange between the male and the newly hatched chicks!! 
Once the nestlings were fed, the parent cleaned the nest by removing this fecal sac, the capsule-like object (wrapped in a white mucous membrane) seen above in the male’s beak. The wonders of nature~!!
The ever-present male RWBBs are also very protective, and faithfully guard the nesting the area, fiercely warning off any intruders.
Birder's Journey 
Nicely done. A series of high quality images capturing nesting activity is no small feat!
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Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
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Beautiful shots, a great story and “altricial”, who knew? Thanks loads for this great post 📷
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Thanks, Berny. I’m so glad you liked it. Those little nestlings are so very vulnerable out there. Hope they are surviving.
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Great pics BJ! Thanks for the interesting and informative post on the Red-winged Blackbird😊
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Thanks, AB. The red wing blackbirds are so special here in Southeast Florida, yet they always remind me of the preserves in upstate New York, where they were just as prolific.
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This is great. I never saw where they nest, yet see many mating pairs. Lovely images too.
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Thank you, Donna. At some points in the spring there are so many Red-winged Blackbird and Boat-tail Grackle nests in these marshes, that the plants seem to sway in the still night air from all the hidden activity.
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I have to keep an eye out for them. I just did not know what to look for.
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When the females flit around busily with nesting materials, and the males seem especially protective of their territory, there are bound to be nests! Hope you see some!
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How sweet! I love it!
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Yes, Pam, this was such an endearing sight. Several of the nests are out in the open only 3-4 feet from the boardwalk.
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Beautiful series Carol! You capture such moments that make anyone sigh! 🙂
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I was SO lucky to be standing at that very spot on the boardwalk when the dad flew over with that green worm!!
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Aww, wonderful baby shots! I also know a nest, but can’t get close as it is in the middle of the marsh. Thank you for sharing!
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This is at least the second year in a row that there are two nests within about 6 feet of the boardwalk – amazing to see.
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