The earliest Red-winged Blackbird singing I've ever heard (1 Viewer)

[Terry O'Nolley]

I just heard a Red-winged Blackbird today and it is only February. The RWBB was singing it's heart out (well, if you consider it's vocalization a "song").

I've never heard one this early before.

Do they know something we don't?

Is winter really over already?

 

[danehower]

I just heard a Red-winged Blackbird today and it is only February. The RWBB was singing it's heart out (well, if you consider it's vocalization a "song").

I've never heard one this early before.

Do they know something we don't?

Is winter really over already?

Hey Terry,
It is funny just a week ago we had a big time ice storm - and when it was all going down I went out to feed the birds and herd the "concorreeee!!' - it kind of shocked me - but then a flock of male RW-BB's decended and had a nice meal ! -I thought it was pretty early also ! - thinking you are right about them knowing more than we do - they seem to alot of the time . -but yeah - weird !

 

[HouseFinch]

I've been hearing them lately, too: here in northwestern Oregon they tend to go "Conk-a-ree-oo!", because of a sort of squeak at the end of the main vocalization. A sure sign of approaching spring. The best part is when about a hundred RWBB's gather in the big tree in our backyard and hold a concert, all singing at the top of their lungs.

I heard a male House Finch this afternoon, he was perched way at the top of that backyard tree. Then he saw me and flew away, must have been my bright red shirt, as I was a fair distance away. ;p But it was only 45 degrees outside: I was out there shivering in the wind, and the birds are singing! I've heard the occasional American Robin, too. What's up with the birds?

 

[birdpotter]

Even though we've had some pretty cold weather this winter, I think it is has been reasonably mild. Maybe they just never went too far?
Nice to hear them though, no matter what time of year.
Did any of you hear about the hummingbird (I think it was Rufous, which made it even more remarkable) that was in NY up until and almost through the last snow/ice storm we had? I think it disappeared shortly after. It stayed at one family's feeder for the duration of its time here.

 

[danehower]

Even though we've had some pretty cold weather this winter, I think it is has been reasonably mild. Maybe they just never went too far?
Nice to hear them though, no matter what time of year.
Did any of you hear about the hummingbird (I think it was Rufous, which made it even more remarkable) that was in NY up until and almost through the last snow/ice storm we had? I think it disappeared shortly after. It stayed at one family's feeder for the duration of its time here.

I know this sounds kind of stupid - but I was saying to my wife this weekend- with all the sugar mapel tap bucket things - I wonder if a bunch of hummers are having a party in there ? lol - but seriously - I wonder if they raid those sugar taps sometimes ?- it could happen - right ?

 

[birdpotter]

I know this sounds kind of stupid - but I was saying to my wife this weekend- with all the sugar mapel tap bucket things - I wonder if a bunch of hummers are having a party in there ? lol - but seriously - I wonder if they raid those sugar taps sometimes ?- it could happen - right ?

Do you think they would be able to? Would the sap be too thick? Would they even be attracted to it? You would think they would, right? It would be far better than just plain sugar water, I would imagine.

 

[Terry O'Nolley]

I know this sounds kind of stupid - but I was saying to my wife this weekend- with all the sugar mapel tap bucket things - I wonder if a bunch of hummers are having a party in there ? lol - but seriously - I wonder if they raid those sugar taps sometimes ?- it could happen - right ?

I would think that if a Ruby-throated hummer were present, it would hit on a syrup tap.

Now I am curious does anyone have any firsthand info about hummingbirds hitting syrup taps?

It might not be likely if the taps are camouflaged. Hummers go for the bright colors.

 

[AmpelisChinito]

We've had reports of singing RWBLs in MA, too. I've also heard lots of cardinal and House Finch songs in the past few weeks.

 

[steveo]

I've had rwbbs a male and female up here since January Ive heard some calling from them. Today I also saw a Robin.