Yes, it is only mid January and, yes, we can expect at least four more months of intermittent snow along the Colorado Front Range. But the red-winged blackbirds have noticed the lengthening days and, in a marsh at South Platte Park, the males have begun to stake out territories and are delivering their distinctive calls.
While the chorus remains a bit muted, there were enough participants this morning to give one the distinct impression that spring has arrived. The presence of snow on the ground means nothing in Colorado and the mild, sunny conditions only added to the feel of the coming season.
No doubt, the red-wing chorus will be suppressed by winter weather on occasion but the "musical" calls will only increase over the next few months. While they are often maligned for their abundance and their potential damage to crop fields, red-winged blackbirds are hardy and highly successful creatures and their mating calls, however annoying and however premature, are among the earliest signs of spring.
While the chorus remains a bit muted, there were enough participants this morning to give one the distinct impression that spring has arrived. The presence of snow on the ground means nothing in Colorado and the mild, sunny conditions only added to the feel of the coming season.
No doubt, the red-wing chorus will be suppressed by winter weather on occasion but the "musical" calls will only increase over the next few months. While they are often maligned for their abundance and their potential damage to crop fields, red-winged blackbirds are hardy and highly successful creatures and their mating calls, however annoying and however premature, are among the earliest signs of spring.
