Such a simple and obvious name! Why couldn’t I have a more exotic name … maybe like “red slasher” or “the marsh king”?
Oh well. I show them how smart I am whenever a trout fisherman comes to my lake. I hide in the cat tails and tell them what gear to use. For example, I think it would be a great idea to use a purple leader at the end of the flyline to blend in better with the water. So I call to them, “PurpleLEEEEEEADer. PurpleLEEEEEEADer.”
Nobody seems to listen though, so I just carry on with my own business of picking at the grass seeds. Mostly, I like plants, especially their seeds, but I do like a bit of meat with my granola. I’m not a picky eater. I like dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, moths, spiders, snails, worms, frogs, eggs, and mollusks. Told you I wasn’t fussy.
So if you ever think I would be tasty in that proverbial pie, with three and twenty of my other blackbird friends, just remember what I’ve been eating and I’m sure you’ll have another think about it.
BTW, it was Sonia who took my picture at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
This print is on Anneli’s wall because she loves me so much. Too bad she doesn’t know how to take a photos without all those reflections. But it’s the thought that counts.


January 31, 2025 at 10:35 pm
A beautiful post, Anneli! I love the red-winged blackbirds, too. 😊
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February 1, 2025 at 9:57 am
They have such a wonderful call. I love hearing them.
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January 31, 2025 at 11:11 pm
Love!
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February 1, 2025 at 9:57 am
Thanks, Cindy!
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February 1, 2025 at 12:04 am
I have never seen such a bird in my garden. It is a very pretty one, Nice pictures!
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February 1, 2025 at 10:00 am
Maybe they don’t get over to your country. I wonder…. I just looked it up and apparently you might have the plain blackbirds but not the red-winged ones.
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February 1, 2025 at 3:35 am
I love this post, Anneli .
I’ve often thought how unimaginative the people who named birds were.
Blackbird. Yes, it’s a bird, and it’s black.
Cuckoo. Yes, it says ‘cuckoo.’
Bee eater. Yes, it eats bees.
Tree creeper. Yes, it creeps on trees.
I could go on, but I won’t . I’m sure you get my drift.
But my favourite, which I think would make a wonderful insult, I found in a bird book of my son’s.
Yellow bellied sap sucker.
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February 1, 2025 at 10:01 am
Haha! That’s too funny, Vivienne. Thanks for adding some life to this post.
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February 1, 2025 at 3:42 am
Beautiful bird and words, Anneli. Thank you for making my morning!
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February 1, 2025 at 10:01 am
That makes me happy, Grant. Blackbirds have always been special to me.
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February 1, 2025 at 3:57 am
A fun post, Anneli! ❤️😊
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February 1, 2025 at 10:02 am
Thanks, John.
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February 1, 2025 at 4:19 am
These birds are a common fixture here in the breeding season and summer. During breeding season, the males are very territorial and will drive off all comers including pelicans and humans. I have been divebombed when walking or just taking photos. Still it is great to hear their call. Happy Saturday Anneli. Allan
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February 1, 2025 at 10:02 am
I didn’t know they were so brave. Good to know. Keep your head down!
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February 1, 2025 at 7:26 am
I look forward to their return. They’re such striking birds and that’s a beautiful print.
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February 1, 2025 at 9:57 am
Thanks, Belinda. I always liked that print and then when my friend Sonia got the photos at the bird sanctuary I thought it made a good combination.
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February 1, 2025 at 7:41 am
I love these birds and their call. When walking in the marsh trails in our area, it is somewhat comforting to hear them calling to each other across the ponds. Stay safe and warm in this snowy weather. Sonja.
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February 1, 2025 at 9:55 am
They really add something wonderful to a walk by a pond or marsh. Stay warm, Sonja.
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February 1, 2025 at 7:41 am
This is a bird I remember from childhood so the name sounds special.
BTW, as I was trying to comment, my internet went down. It reminds me not to save my work in the cloud. Sigh.
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February 1, 2025 at 9:54 am
Nothing like a memory stick to keep your work. It’s scary having work up there in cyberspace.
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February 1, 2025 at 10:00 am
Blackbirds are cute and I love their singing.
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February 1, 2025 at 10:03 am
I do too, Brad.
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February 1, 2025 at 10:35 am
Beautiful photos, Anneli, and I can’t escape the reflections sometimes too. Fun post! Yesterday when I got to my car after shopping, I noticed the energetic chorus from the tree nearby. There were many little black birds sitting in it and singing their hearts out. I don’t know if they were truly blackbirds, but I stopped in my tracks just to listen for a few minutes. 🎶
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February 3, 2025 at 5:10 pm
I enjoyed this blackbird and his story. Lovely photos, Anneli.
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February 3, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Thank you, Jennie. They’re such pretty birds.
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February 3, 2025 at 6:03 pm
They are! You’re welcome, Anneli.
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