Growing up, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare was my favorite story. Sure, it was set in New England, but the description of a vast lake surrounded by birdsong somehow felt familiar to me as a Clevelander. And the description of flashes of red dancing past as blackbirds flew by, it was immediately recognizable as a vivid painting of the stunning red-winged blackbird. There’s no shortage of red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland, as these birds are incredibly common around the Great Lakes. They love grassy areas, typically near wetlands or lakes, and they often fill the air with their distinct oak-a-leeee call. With a distinct throaty consonant followed by a musical slur, these gorgeous birds are instantly recognizable and a sure sign that summer has come.

With a distinct call and eye-catching look, the red-winged blackbird is a true beauty.





In this video courtesy of the American Bird Conservancy YouTube channel, this bird's recognizable oak-a-leeee call resonates through the grassland. It's one of many songs these guys sing, and one of the more common calls from males of the species.

In this bird species, the males are recognizable for their velvety black feathers paired with a bold red and yellow shoulder.

Susan Young/Flickr
As is true with many bird species, red-winged blackbirds are sexually dimorphic. Like peacocks, the males are just a little bit more fashionable than the females. Their mating season stretches from late April to late July or early August, so they have several months to flaunt their stuff and try to impress the ladies.

The female red-winged blackbirds, on the other hand, are much more modest fashionistas.

Russ/Flickr
Still gorgeous, these notably brown birds are obviously lacking the bright red shoulders of their male counterparts. Nonetheless, you'll often see a few of these gals around any one male. That's because the species is polygynous, meaning several females will claim one male as their social mate.

As a social mate, the male red-winged blackbird must defend up to 10 females and their nests.

Susan Young/Flickr
As three or four eggs are typical from each female, these proud daddies could be protecting up to 40 chicks at any given time. That's why if you encounter red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland, they're probably keeping a close eye on you and perhaps exhibiting some aggressive behavior.

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Despite the strong father-child relationships when juvenile birds are still chicks, not all is perfect in red-winged blackbird paradise.

Kaaren Perry/Flickr
Here, an adult male and juvenile red-winged blackbird seem to be engaged in a vivid conversation. And while I am not a naturalist or fluent in bird, this little brown guy might be saying something like, "But you're not my real dad!" You see, though female red-winged blackbirds only take one social mate, they may actually mate with several males in a given mating season. As bird eggs are fertilized via polyspermy (multiple donors may fertilize a single egg), mixed paternity is common in this species.

If you're hoping to see one of these beauties in Cleveland, you're in luck. They're all over the area, but we've also got some of the finest birdwatching sites in Ohio.

Ron Knight/Flickr
Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, just about an hour from home, is rich in wetlands and is an excellent spot to look for red-winged blackbirds. Other spots, like Girdled Road Reservation, are recognized as an an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio.

Of course, you could also visit any stretch of Lake Erie's shore that's near an open grassy area or sparse forest.

Aiko, Thomas & Juliette+Isaac/Flickr
It's so common to see red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland that you can almost expect it if you're hiking near water. As is true with most Northeast Ohio birds, these guys are a true sign of summer, as they tend to migrate to warmer climates once the threat of winter settles across the local landscape.

The distinct oak-a-leeee calls of red-winged blackbirds are absolutely nostalgic for Clevelanders.

Steve Baker/Flickr
Keep your eyes peeled on your next hike... you just might see one of these beauties! If you don't, still keep your ears alert. Their lovely and warm songs just might float over to greet you.

Each year, the presence of red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland causes the air to fill with a distinctly recognizable song. These lovely little birds are a welcome sight in the Cleveland Metroparks, around Lake Erie, and in fields throughout Northeast Ohio. Have you ever snapped a photo of one? We’d love to see your masterpieces in the comments! Oh, and if you’re looking to flaunt your love of the great outdoors, be sure to check out the Parks Project.

Love birding in Northeast Ohio? Mark your calendars for May, because the annual springtime migration will be here before you know it.

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