Full Throated

Blackbirds out in full force now as early spring picks up steam. I'm not sure whether they are staking out turf for later in the season, or if their constant pinging is some kind of warning system. Why red winged and not orange, I know not.

With every call, they puff out their breasts, showing the distinctive orange epaulettes on their wings, as if extra emphasis were required, together with fanning of their tails.

These are all males at the moment, the females quite different with lighter brown and speckled plumage are no where to be seen.