Whenever I hear Blackbird, the wonderful Beatles song by Paul McCartney, I think of the stunning red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) I see all over the city. When the males show their red and yellow feathers on those black wings when they fly, you really have to gasp at the beauty. And when you’re walking so many of the paths in New York City parks, you hear their gorgeous songs. Plus, the female blackbirds and so stunning and different than their male counterparts.
Male red-winged blackbirds, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Center, March 25, 2021
Male red-winged blackbird, Lido Beach Passive Nature Area, Long Island, June 5, 2023
Red-winged blackbird, Central Park, May 15, 2023
Male red-winged blackbird, Staten Island, May 22, 2019
