The Redwinged Blackbird arrives early in Spring.  I took these pictures last week in early March. 

The males arrive first and stake out territories in preparation for arrival of the females.

The more territory the better.  Each male will mate with all the females in his territory. 

The females have not arrived yet in Western Michigan.  But usually arrive a few weeks after the males.

The males defend their territory vigorously especially against other male Red winged Blackbirds.

They sometimes will attack larger animals near the breeding grounds including horses and even humans.

When giving their song they usually spread their tail feathers and display the reddish shoulder pads.

Scientific name is:  Agelaius phoeniceus.  Most Marshes will have these birds present.  They are one of the most common of all birds in the United States although their numbers have dropped from 190 million to around 130 million during the last 40 years.  Young birds, after hatching, will leave the next in as little as 11 to 14 days. During the non-breeding season they may be seen in large flocks with other blackbirds such as Starlings and Grackles numbering sometimes in the thousands.  These birds have a lot to admire.  They are attractive and I cannot help but admire their 'spunky' nature.  When the females arrive in a few weeks, I'll see if I can get a few pictures of them.  They actually resemble a Sparrow with a brown and streaky coloration.