It’s February 25 in Maine  . . . and it is a long time before the crocuses and daffodils appear.  But for me, the first sign of spring appeared today – the Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived.

Male Red-wings arrive early, to stake out territory in the cattails so when the females arrive in a few weeks they will be attracted to his bachelor pad.

Red-winged Blackbirds are polygamists and will mate over and over.  Thus males will sing their conk-la-ree! song over and over to attract attention.

Of course, Canada Geese are here all year around.