April 2

The red-winged blackbirds are in full chorus now, particularly just after sunrise. Whereas before we had an isolated male tentatively calling out to no one in particular, now we are assaulted in the morning by a dozen or so that must fly up from the rushes near Asnebumskit.

From here onward for the next two months, our early mornings will be alive with birdsong. These red-winged blackbirds are a favorite, though so many at once are a cacophony.

I’ve noticed more of the epaulet bars, with some showing both the red and yellow as they proclaim themselves aloud. How the females will distinguish her suitors, when she arrives soon, is a mystery.