The Return of the Red-Wing Blackbird

Their song is the song of spring.

The local red-wing blackbirds have a tendency to build their nest in branches that hang over the water’s edge. For many years, I have watched them build and raise young in the willow trees that grow on the bank surrounding the water. Typically, the males start singing in March, but this year, I have yet to hear their song.

One spring, many years ago, I …