I heard my first loud “konk-a-ree” a few days ago when I was out sniffing the air (mmm – mud!) and searching for signs of spring. Oh joy! A red-winged blackbird, (Agelaius phoeniceus) back from more southern climes.

But even listening very closely, I could only detect a few red-wings about. Clearly these were the advance contingent.

Today, however, the blackbirds’ distinctive, nasally territorial call was ringing out from a few more trees and bushes as I scoped out both Ashbridge’s Bay and Woodbine parks this morning.

It’s only a few males that have returned so far; the majority will drift in over the next few weeks. And the females later than that, of course.

In the meantime, we can be certain spring has arrived, if not officially for two more days. It crept in through the back door in the endless rain (thank you basement pump!) in the guise of some handsome blackbirds wearing red epaulettes on their shoulders.

It’s about time.

(Oh. I almost forgot: Don’t forget to read today’s quote on the song of the blackbird: “. . . for his song is all of the joy of life . . . ”

© BCP 2011