Harbinger of Spring

Yesterday morning we saw and heard the first Red-Winged Blackbird of spring! It is so exciting when these males come back and begin to stake their nesting claims at our pond. The females won't return for weeks yet, but the boys are getting things ready! It is one of my greatest joys, as spring approaches, to open my kitchen door in the morning and step out onto the porch and listen to the cacophony of "Cock-a-reeees" in the warm air. It mesmerizes me and makes me forget all about winter...and remember just why I persist in living here. Summers are gorgeous...especially here in the country. If you have never heard one, go and listen to a Red-winged Blackbird call.

Click on the photo to get a better look at our first Red-Winged Blackbird. He's that black spot with the red patch in the center of the photo.