Redwing Blackbird

The peninsula in Prospect Park where the Model Yacht Club home now stands, formerly was occupied by some dozen pairs of REDWINGS. Collecting my first Blackbird eggs was a momentous event. A Maharajah got less thrill from his jewels than I over those pen scratched treasures.

The habits of Redwings and their cousins are all about alike. They are remarkably gregarious at all times — nesting, feeding and migrating in companies. Few birds have the social instinct more developed and the groups live amicably. Some of our eastern birds separate from the main body, preferring salt or brackish marshes, and go back along inland streams where one or two pairs settle in a favorite locality. Not for them the tumult of a Redwing city — quiet is what they want. In early April the males' o-kay-lee from tip of the cottonwood is a most welcome call. I have always liked the notes and the flaunt of epauletted wings accompanying their utterance.