Bird of the Week: Red-winged Blackbird

One of the most common (and loudest) visitors at Kensington is the red-winged blackbird. Found all across the country in wet and marshy habitats, this migrator returns toward the end of February, beating out the Robin as the true harbinger of spring. Listen for the distinctive “look-at-me” call of the male red-winged blackbird as he displays his bright red shoulder patches. The less recognizable female red-winged blackbird can often be found flitting around in the cattails preparing her nest. Her streaky brown coloration is the perfect camouflage deep in the reeds.