Redwing Blackbirds

During the summer, a couple dozen redwing families live in this marsh on the Carp River.

But late in August, thousands of them gather here.

In the mornings, they head off in flocks of half a dozen to fifty,

looking for food.

In the evening, they all come back to roost. The whole area is alive with their chatter as they discuss the day, and squabble about the best cattails for sleeping.

Then something will startle them, and they will rise by the thousands, wheel, and settle again.