Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are one of the first signs of spring across North America. They are unmistakable with their red and yellow shoulderpads set against their black plumage. In the springtime they become very territorial and you can hear them calling near virtually every body of water.
This male was perched high on a cattail displaying his shoulders and giving loud konk-a-reee calls as he puffed up his chest.
The females are inconspicuous with brown streaked plumage that hides them as they nest low in dense marsh vegetation. You'll probably see me posting more photos of them in the coming weeks. I see them nearly every time I go birding.
You can listen to this recording I captured of Red-winged Blackbirds here: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/153641861
Happy Birding