Ever vigilant Red-winged Blackbird dad, fierce defender of his domain. (All About Birds)Red-winged Blackbird mom busy keeping the eggs warm. She incubates her clutch of 3-4 eggs for about 11-14 days. (BirdWeb)Unfortunately, nest predation is very common. Both eggs and chicks are in danger from a wide range of predators, including raccoons, weasels, snakes, raptors, and other larger birds such as crows.
It’s astonishing that the tiny, helpless nestlings will be able to leave the nest in 2 weeks or less! This young Red-winged Blackbird with its soft plumage is already strong enough to venture out on its own a bit, albeit under the watchful eye of its parents. This little fellow was holding on for dear life as his narrow reed swayed in a strong breeze!
Hard to believe that birds often build their nests in places that are so readily visible to human passersby. These images were all taken from separate and distinct nesting areas – there are many this time of year.
On Sun, May 23, 2021 at 4:06 PM Birder’s Journey wrote:
> Birder’s Journey posted: ” Ever vigilant Red-winged Blackbird dad, fierce > defender of his domain. (All About Birds) Red-winged Blackbird mom busy > keeping the eggs warm. She incubates her clutch of 3-4 eggs for about 11-14 > days. (BirdWeb) Unfortunately, nest predation is very” >
It’s a shame that many photographers pass more common birds in search of something “rare”. As your wonderful images attest, the Red-winged Blackbird, males/females/young, is a very attractive subject!
Nice work finding different nests and documenting the life cycle of one of our “common beauties”!
What neat captures, especially the nests, the Carol! That nest with the eggs is amazing to get to see and the work that goes into these nests is just something.
I can only but marvel at the way these birds with just one beak weave these amazing nests BJ,. I loved the showcase into your Red-winged Blackbird.and the view into the nest. That was a an extra blessing. Enjoy your week my friend 🙂
It is truly incredible how these and other birds create the most elaborate nests, just with their beaks. Wishing you a beautiful and nature-filled week, AB!☀️
What attractive birds and it does seem surprising they build their nests where they are so visible. The nest is beautiful and how special to be able to see the eggs and the little chicks.
Yes, it was, Carol! We always see Red-winged Blackbird nests in this area, but somehow it feels unusual this year to see the eggs, and even chicks, so close-up in so many locations.
How much fun to find one of these nests and observe the activities of the red-wings. Nasty predators…yeah everyone has to eat…but yesterday I photographed a couple of snapping turtles laying eggs knowing that overnight those eggs would likely be eaten by raccoons. It’s a good thing turtles live long lives so the few surviving young ones keep the number going. Everything in balance but it’s sad, in a anthro sort of way, to think of the eggs and babies not surviving. More cheerfully these are lovely images, Carol.
Yes, the natural cycle of life does feel harsh sometimes …. We see something similar – softshell turtles lumbering slowly and laboriously off to a spot to lay their eggs, only to watch raccoons or large birds come and dig them up as soon as the turtles leave. Thanks so much for that upbeat final note, Steve! ☺️
Birder's Journey 
breathtaking!!!
On Sun, May 23, 2021 at 4:06 PM Birder’s Journey wrote:
> Birder’s Journey posted: ” Ever vigilant Red-winged Blackbird dad, fierce > defender of his domain. (All About Birds) Red-winged Blackbird mom busy > keeping the eggs warm. She incubates her clutch of 3-4 eggs for about 11-14 > days. (BirdWeb) Unfortunately, nest predation is very” >
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Thanks so much, Yishai! They’re very special ☺️
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It’s a shame that many photographers pass more common birds in search of something “rare”. As your wonderful images attest, the Red-winged Blackbird, males/females/young, is a very attractive subject!
Nice work finding different nests and documenting the life cycle of one of our “common beauties”!
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What a thoughtful and generous comment, Wally! Thank you for your visit!
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“Starting a new“ is a sweet glimpse into the life cycle of RWBB!
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They’re everywhere in the marsh these days. So fun to watch.
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Lovely photographs! It’s amazing to think how fast those babies develop. 🙂
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Yes, it sure is, Ann!! And they’re so fragile and vulnerable. I only hope that they survive all the potential dangers out there!
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How nice that you captured them so clear on or near their nest! Beautiful shots, Carol. 🙂
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Thanks, HJ! I was astonished at how close to the boardwalk some of the nests are – in plain view of anyone walking by!
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A tough beginning for the watchful parents and hatchlings. Excellent post, BJ and wonderful photos!
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How kind, Belinda. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
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Oooh, how precious! Great photo captures.
Thank you for sharing, BJ!
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Thank YOU for stopping by, Amy! Yes, they are precious, and so helpless.
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They are…
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☺️
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What neat captures, especially the nests, the Carol! That nest with the eggs is amazing to get to see and the work that goes into these nests is just something.
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Yes, Ellen, they are really quite the architects!
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Very nice.
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Thanks, Ted!
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I can only but marvel at the way these birds with just one beak weave these amazing nests BJ,. I loved the showcase into your Red-winged Blackbird.and the view into the nest. That was a an extra blessing. Enjoy your week my friend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is truly incredible how these and other birds create the most elaborate nests, just with their beaks. Wishing you a beautiful and nature-filled week, AB!☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What attractive birds and it does seem surprising they build their nests where they are so visible. The nest is beautiful and how special to be able to see the eggs and the little chicks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it was, Carol! We always see Red-winged Blackbird nests in this area, but somehow it feels unusual this year to see the eggs, and even chicks, so close-up in so many locations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How much fun to find one of these nests and observe the activities of the red-wings. Nasty predators…yeah everyone has to eat…but yesterday I photographed a couple of snapping turtles laying eggs knowing that overnight those eggs would likely be eaten by raccoons. It’s a good thing turtles live long lives so the few surviving young ones keep the number going. Everything in balance but it’s sad, in a anthro sort of way, to think of the eggs and babies not surviving. More cheerfully these are lovely images, Carol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the natural cycle of life does feel harsh sometimes …. We see something similar – softshell turtles lumbering slowly and laboriously off to a spot to lay their eggs, only to watch raccoons or large birds come and dig them up as soon as the turtles leave. Thanks so much for that upbeat final note, Steve! ☺️
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Love that video of the little babies!
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Aren’t they just miraculous!?
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Love this series and the BWBlackbird! Marshes wouldn’t be the same without them. Bravo to the little one for hanging on in the breezes!!
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Beautiful photos, Carol. Love those babies.
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Thanks so much, Lorri ! Hope all is well with you☺️
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