[CT Birds] Territorial Red-Winged Blackbirds

[etbchs at aol.com]

From: Elaine Taylor
While this is only my first spring at Orchard Hill in Bristol, CT. It seems that spring has started the Red Winged Black Birds'?recognizable territorial call, sitting at the?tops of trees and aggresively shooing away those?that?enter the established perimeters. I could almost draw out?the designated?,triangular area that these birds have "reserved". I have yet to see the females. I think this bird has found this area a great place for many, many years. Fascinating as it is to observe, I am discouraged at the fact that many other birds can only sit for a second before hearing the loud call and seeing the bright red wing display warming them to "get away"! Not even crows, mockingbirds?or grackles will stay. Beautiful and bright yellow American Goldfinches can occassionally be allowed to sneak a treat but quickly are reminded not to stay too long. If anyone is interested in the Red Winged Blackbird and would like to share stories, I'd love to learn more. What can I expect to happen? Will there ever be a period that this territorial dance and song passes and other birds will return? Is there anything I can do to encourage ( or discourage the BW) other birds to come to the area? I don't want to miss out on this natural process, but I don't want to miss out on seeing other birds either. Thoughts are appreciated.
ETBCHS at aol.com