Our local NPR station has occasional reports from an ornithologist, Vern Laux. The other day he said that many red winded blackbirds actually stay here (on Cape Cod) over the winter, but that they keep a low profile, remaining hidden in the brush until their migrating relatives return, at which point they start showing off and advertising their presence. We see robins all winter, too, though not many of them. I wonder how the heck they survive in all that cold. It certainly makes it feel like spring is not too far away when we start to see lots more of them.

I don't want to put the picture here because it is not my photo, but here is a gorgeous shot of a male RWBB in full display and a very nice description of its significance. http://www.flickr.com/photos/61514382@N00/3552440101/

Certainly not a wild bird like the blackbird - these are not good pets. This site, The Best Pet Birds For Kids says that generally they don't recommend that children under 12 years old be given pet birds, and they give a lot of reasons for that. "You should not get a pet bird for your child, if: 1) Your child is under the age of 12 and will be the birdâÂÂs sole care taker. Some children donâÂÂt understand the consequences of their actions, especially if they forget to give the pet bird food or water. Animal cruelty should not be practiced so that a child can learn responsibility the hard way. 2) Your child has no money to take the pet bird to an avian veterinarian if it gets sick. Parents who donâÂÂt allow pet birds that are sick to be taken to the vet because they donâÂÂt want to spend the money teach the child a number of bad lessons. If the parent or child is unable or unwilling to take to the pet bird to a vet, then donâÂÂt get the pet bird. 3) If the child is too busy with extracurricular activities to spend at least one to two hours hanging out with the pet bird. 4) If the child is not willing to check out websites or read magazines and books about a pet bird before adopting one. 5) If the child has trouble controlling his or her emotions. Prey animals do not respond well to physical outbursts and will fly or bite." They do list nine birds that are suitable for kids under the right circumstances. Claire This post was edited by claire on Thu, Mar 6, 14 at 12:53

Gorgeous photos. The male tree swallow is iridescent in your pics! I do question your final id though, are you really sure that's a rabbit? (big grin)