Once again, male Red-Winged Blackbirds are standing guard over their territories in our marshes, as this one was on Monday, July 26. Apparently, their second brood of the season is now here. (Some Red-Wings reportedly will have three broods a year, but two seems to be the usual number.)
These male Red-Wings are not only extraordinarily vigilant, they are among our most polygamous birds, according to ornithological reports. They may “keep” up to 15 females in 15 nests in their territory, which they defend angrily against any other intruder, including other birds and humans who get too close.
But, male Red-Wings do have their moments of contentment, when there is peace in their kingdoms and they can just groom:
(Brooklin, Maine)