I’ve written MANY posts about Red-winged Blackbirds (RWBBs) (BirdersJourney) over the years, but it’s always exciting the first time I spot new nests – and eggs! – in the spring.
The mom who laid these eggs was sitting on them but flew off just after I caught sight of her.
This female was still working on building her nest. Only the female birds sit on the eggs.
Yet another female sitting deep inside her cup-like nest.
The gestation period is only about 11 to 13 days, and the chicks will fledge in about another two weeks or less after hatching. (All About Birds)
The Pond Apple trees so abundant in our wetlands seem to be the top choice for RWBB nests.
Multiple females were busily flying about collecting nesting materials.
The very showy males have been making themselves abundantly visible …. and audible!
This male Red-winged Blackbird has found a shady little spot to preen so he can impress all the ladies out there. I think he’ll do well! 😉
Birder's Journey 
🥚 A Vernal Vigil for the RWBBs 🌿
Thy botanical trek to the wetlands so lush, 💧 Leaves the rest of us mortals in a reverent hush. 🤫 The Red-winged Blackbirds, in nuptial display, 🎀 Have ushered in Spring in a sumptuous way! 🌸
Behold the fierce matriarchs, industrious and wise, 🏗️ Constructing their chalices ‘neath cerulean skies. ☁️ While the males, quite vainglorious, flaunt epaulets red, 🚩 With sonorous trills that could wake up the dead! 📣
Within the Pond Apples, so verdant and dense, 🌳 The gestation begins with a nesting suspense. ⏳ Twelve days of incubation—a brief, quiet pause— 🐣 Before hungry hatchlings open voracious small jaws! 🐥
Thy lens captures splendor with exquisite grace, 📸 Documenting the pulse of this bucolic place. 🌾 An ornithological triumph, I must loudly declare, 🏆 With magniloquence, wit, and a sophisticated flair! 🎩✨
LikeLike