Red-winged Display!

This male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)was crossing the Rail Trail with some speed and his colorful epaulets high--displaying that he is very much in breeding mode. Viewed large he may jump out at you :)

The females are quite drab, with nearly sparrow-like coloration, to the extent that even relatively experienced birders find them difficult to ID.

There are at least as many of these blackbirds along the Rail Trail as tree swallows; given that I've blipped them twice in recent days, I thought it was time to give a red-wing his turn.   Not much else was in evidence today.