Millions of blackbirds are found in parts of Europe, as well as the fifteen different kinds found throughout the United States and Canada. The most numerous and perhaps the prettiest are the red-winged blackbirds. They get their name from the male blackbirds, which have shoulder feathers tipped with bright red and yellow. The rest of their bodies are mostly black.
The eastern red-winged blackbirds live from the Rocky Mountains east to the Atlantic Ocean. The San Diego, Rio Grande and Nevada redwings live west of the Rockies.
Redwings nest in large groups in swamps, marshes and in cattails or tall grass. Nests are usually made of mud, plant fibers and grass, with small twigs woven in. They are lined with soft material such as moss, soft leaves and feathers.
Farmers like blackbirds, not only because of their pleasant calls, but mainly because they eat weed seeds and many harmful insects. Some insects they eat are too big to swallow whole, so the bird will hook it on a sharp thorn and dispose of it in smaller bites.
Large flocks often gather in open fields, spreading out to find seeds and insects. As they all move forward, those in the back soon discover that nothing is left for them, and they take off, flying over those in front, landing just ahead of them and finding plenty to eat. When the others in the back find nothing left, they will fly ahead and begin feeding in a new part of the field. This goes on until the field has been cleaned. Then the flock will fly to another feeding area.
In some parts of North America, some redwings migrate in the fall to warm winter climates, while others remain behind. Those remaining are okay as long as the winter is mild, but, sad to say, many do not survive when severe cold sets in. It is mostly the females that migrate; the tougher males merely wait for their return in the spring.
Birds of every kind form an important part of God's creation, and the Bible often refers to His care over them. But His love and care for us is far greater. King David said, “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!” (Psalm 139:1717How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17)). In another place he said, “Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation” (Psalm 25:4-54Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4‑5)). He will show His love and kindness to all who pray to Him in that way. Have you ever asked the Lord to teach you and lead you?
ML-04/20/2008