By Paul Noeldner
Friends of Urban Nature
Our birds of the month for February and March are Red-winged Blackbirds and Eastern Meadowlarks. They are both “early birds” that return to Wisconsin before the snow melts to try and establish the best food and nesting territories. Sometimes referred to as scouts, they welcome later arrivals with loud melodious songs that attract mates and help deter competition without fighting.
Red-winged Blackbirds are common where they can find wetland marshy areas for nesting like Cherokee Marsh, Warner Park and Hartmeyer-Roth Park on the Northside, and they will use any small marshy natural area available. They have bright red epaulets with yellow borders on their wings that they flash when they do their famous “song spread” routine, spreading their wings like an accordion as they sing their “Conk-La-Reeee” song. Don’t be alarmed if they bravely swoop past your head; they are just letting you know it’s their area.
Eastern Meadowlarks are also part of the blackbird family but these beautiful birds are uncommon due to loss of habitat. They nest on the ground in large open prairie areas like Governor Nelson State Park, Pheasant Branch and unmowed grassy fields. They have brilliant yellow chests with a big Superman V that flashes in the sun when they sing.
We can help our Red-winged Blackbird friends by saving remaining urban wetland areas that also help clean our water and reduce flooding. Eastern Meadowlarks definitely need our help by saving and restoring native prairies and not mowing large grassy areas until July when nests have fledged. We can also help other birds that nest on the ground or in low bushes and marshy areas in our yards and parks by keeping cats indoors, keeping dogs on leash, and staying on trails.
Enjoy hearing Red-winged Blackbirds and look for their “song spread” display when you take a walk in the spring — and wear a hat if they swoop too close!
