“The Red-winged Blackbird is known for aggressively defending its territory from intruders.” (Smithsonian Birds of Florida, p. 355). The handsome males are especially vigilant at this time of year, and will make lots of noise to ward off humans as well as other birds if they approach a nesting area too closely.
The slightly smaller, brown-streaked female Red-winged Blackbird is not as showy as the male, but is a very hard working nest-builder. The nest “is a bulky open cup, lashed to standing vegetation, made of grass, reeds, leaves, rootlets, lined with fine grass.” (Audubon).
We have numerous RWBB nests in the wetlands and I’ve been watching them for any sign of eggs. A brood is usually 3-4 eggs, incubated by the mom for 10-12 days. Once the eggs hatch, both mom and dad will feed the altricial young, until they fledge in about two weeks.
Just discovered these very newly hatched babies last night and witnessed the mom flying in and out to feed them. Didn’t bring my camera, so iPhone photos at dusk aren’t the best quality! 😏
“Each breeding female may raise two or three clutches per season, building a new nest for each clutch. These reconstructions likely occur because new nests are sure to be free from parasites that could weaken or kill baby birds.” (American Bird Conservancy)
Birder's Journey 
That’s so exciting that you saw some hatchlings! Keep us posted.
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Thanks, Amy! I’ve seen and taking videos in previous years, of the hatchlings that showed up much better. This is a quick look at that my husband took with his iPhone since I didn’t have my camera. Still exciting!
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How exciting!!! Wonderful images and video too.
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Thanks for your enthusiasm, Deborah! It’s always such a treat to see new life.
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Thank you for all this information on this ubiquitous bird in South Florida.
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They do seem to be everywhere, don’t they? But they’re morning song still always reminds me of the ponds in upstate New York.
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Spring birding is the most enjoyable time of year BJ. Watching all the busy nesting processes and awaiting the emerging next generation. The devotion and partnership of the birds in the process is always a lesson and encouragement to us in our relationships and devotion to one another. Lovely captures my friend !
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So true. Thank you for sharing these very lovely thoughts, AB!
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Very nice. It’s always a highlight of the birding year to see nestlings and hatchlings.
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I only wish I had gotten better pictures of hatchlings this year.
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The breeding season isn’t yet over, you might get another chance!
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Nesting time is great for photographers because there’s lots of action of a reliable stage. You’re certainly making good of the wonderful opportunity!
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The challenge is to get back to see the babies soon, before they fledge, or don’t survive due to predation, leaving just an empty nest.
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Nesting season offers so many opportunities to observe Nature as species regenerate. Wonderful photographs!
It’s easy to overlook a species as common as our Red-winged Blackbirds. Thank you for focusing on them!
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I agree, Wally. Despite their special beauty, I often think the ‘common’ birds get overlooked.
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Wonderful photography! It’s very special to see the newly hatched chicks too. 🙂
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Much to my dismay, I never saw the babies again after this. Either I didn’t get back soon enough, and they fledged, or maybe the hatchlings did not survive.🥺
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Oh, I hope they had just fledged quickly!
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