Submitted by Robyn Gillam
Like most of us, I see my backyard as an oasis. Every Spring I look forward to the return of birds like robins and doves who nest, feed and fill the air with their melodious songs. Not this time. On venturing outside I was assaulted by piercing shrieks and whacks on the head from furious interlopers whose calls continued to loudly reverberate through closed windows and doors.
Red-winged blackbirds had invaded my garden. Without my realizing, they set up their nests, defended their territory and murdered other baby birds. They patrolled the area relentlessly keeping robins and even squirrels at bay. The male birds, resplendent in Hi-Viz vests or epaulettes over black plumage, swooped out of the trees where they had been lurking whenever I ventured outside, batting at my head while all the while making high-pitched warning shrieks. Although I’m familiar with these birds, I did wonder what they were doing here.
Red-winged blackbirds can be found across most of north America, but their breeding area is confined to sub-arctic Canada and the north-eastern United States. They generally feed and nest near bodies of water and can often been seen perched on tall reeds or cattails, singing their distinctive “conk-lo-ree” song, more industrial than melodious. Unlike the male blackbird, the female has a brown, speckled plumage which allows her to nest safely, while blending into the surrounding vegetation. The male displays his bright colours to attract females and as a warning to those threatening the nest. In past years I have often encountered them walking around the West Harbour, even getting the odd head-bump during the spring nesting season. Now they are not just in my backyard, but all over downtown. You can see them in the trees around the Ferguson Street bridge and even hanging out in central downtown.
Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that most of the reeds and scrub around the water’s edge have been cleared away in Pier 4 Park and adjacent areas. I am not sure why park management is doing this. It could be to make the area appear tidier, improve visibility and security and remove breeding areas for vermin and other invasive species. However, it also means the red-winged blackbirds can no longer nest at the water’s edge, and their distinctive cries have been noticeably absent during my walks there.
Any removal or change to existing habitats can not only displace animals accustomed to using it but also has a knock-on effect on other species. The displacement of red-winged blackbirds to trees and gardens also means that other birds must find another home. Although this might not be too far away, it does bring change to micro-environments which can have good, bad or neutral effects, depending on your species or point of view.
In managing the shoreline, Hamilton Parks have a complicated task that must balance the viability of the plant and animal habitat with the needs and demands of the human population. While most of the reeds and ground cover have been cleared away on the West Harbour, the reedy shore at the start of the Bayfront Trail remains untouched, as monogamous Mr. and Mrs. Swan raise a family that humans find irresistibly cute. Those nasty, polygamous Red-Wings had to move elsewhere. If I was them, I’d be angry too.
For more information on red-winged blackbirds, see Cornell University <Allaboutbirds.org>
