Kip’s Comments - April 15, 2026

As Determined as Red-winged Blackbirds

I don’t know if they have an attitude problem, a chronic mean streak, or a “little bird” complex, but the spunkiness of red-winged blackbirds really impresses me. Over time I have watched them hassle bald eagles, hawks, and again today sandhill cranes.

Today’s antics involved a male red-winged blackbird repeatedly going after the tail end of a sandhill crane that was not threatening the blackbird in any way. Yet, the blackbird made contact with the crane many times. I was trying to document the actual assault, but it was too fast. The best I managed today was the blackbird flying away after irritating the tall crane.

Sandhill Crane and Red-winged Blackbird - Image 1089003

Sandhill Crane - Image 1088739

Currently the water bird present in highest numbers - maybe as many as Canada geese - are American coots.

American Coot - Image 1088645

American Coot - Image 1088650

Canada goose nests are scattered all around the marsh. Some are easy to find - maybe too easy. Predators may locate them and enjoy a meal of eggs.

Canada Goose Nest with Eggs - image 1088661

I did see a couple of other bird species too. The song sparrow posed in a nice setting. Great egrets flying against an almost white sky made them difficult to see.

Song Sparrow - Image 1089122

Great Egrets in Flight - Image 1088669