Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Migration Movements => Topic started by: souci on March 13, 2012, 12:24:46 PM

Title: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: souci on March 13, 2012, 12:24:46 PM

I always say that it is red-winged blackbirds that indicate the start of the Toronto spring season, much more than robins, who can over-winter. I am pretty sure that at about 8:00 this morning I heard a couple of red-winged blackbirds. Anybody else think so?

Title: Re: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: Reuven_M on March 13, 2012, 01:13:33 PM

They arrived very early this year. I had a number on March 2, and they are now abundunt here in Guelph.

Title: Re: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: souci on March 13, 2012, 01:55:00 PM

Yes - and I had to look back to the beginning of March, rather than over the just the past couple of days to see that they have already been seen not far from here. I wonder if they are visible before they are audible?

Title: Re: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: JW Mills on March 13, 2012, 02:18:04 PM

Generally speaking I would agree that RWBB's are a better indicator of spring.
However, one RWBB definitely overwintered at Lambton Woods last winter and may have again this winter.
Possibly a sign of things to come?

Title: Re: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: Photowyzard on March 23, 2012, 09:44:45 PM

The Red Wing Black Bird is here in large numbers already.  If you wish to see them, visit Humber Bay Park East.  They are everywhere in the park.  More so than Robins.  I am surprised at the large number I have seen.  These will all be pecking your head as you walk by soon enough!  :lol:

Title: Re: red-winged blackbirds
Post by: souci on March 24, 2012, 09:22:11 AM

True! I would say that within 2 days of first hearing them, they were everywhere. Now the constant is song sparrows passing thru.