Red-winged blackbird sitting on a cat-tail in a marsh with fuzzy pussywillow trees. In the style of Robert Bateman. Surreal.

These are my Absolute Favorite birds! For years all I knew was there was this intoxicating bird call every summer that spurred me to go out and play. I always knew spring was truly finally here regardless of what anyone ever said when I finally heard their calls at the end of the long winters. About 6 or 8 years ago I was explaining that to my husband and he was determined to find out what bird it was that made my favorite calls because I only ever recognized the sound but not what made the sound. I had no idea he knew so many birds and their calls. It was fun figuring it out with him. When we narrowed it down we found out it was two different types of birds with two very distinct calls. This one, the red winged blackbird, was one of those birds that I adore even when I had no idea what they were called. I had seen them but just wasn't aware of them really. Now when I see them I get so excited. How appropriate that I saw this right now when I heard their calls a week ago. Thanks! 😁💗