GINLC Newsletter: Red-Winged Blackbird

Each year many of us experience a special moment when we realize that spring is finally here to stay. Sometimes it is a smell, the sight of a flower or a sound. It is a happy moment, especially for gardeners, because we know that winter is gone and we are bursting with energy, ready to dig and plant to our heart's content.

Driving through snow covered streets a few weeks ago while listening to the radio, I heard a song: Red-winged Blackbird. I realized that as long as I can remember, my heart fills with joy when I hear in my yard the loud and rich, musical O-ka-Leee! This beautiful jet black bird with red and yellow shoulder patches on his upper wings is so easy to spot and so determined to announce his arrival. I would like to share the words of the song with you:

Red-winged Blackbird - Words and Music:
David Francey (1989)

Refrain:
Thought I heard a red winged blackbird,
Red winged blackbird down my road,
Thought I heard a red winged blackbird,
Red winged blackbird down my road.
He'll be there beside the river,
When Winter finally breaks its bones,
He'll be king among the rushes,
He'll be master of his home.

Refrain
Safe as Moses in the rushes,
Builds his home on the river wide,
Every time I hear him singing,
Makes me feel like Spring inside.

Refrain
He'll be in there singing his heart out,
He'll be telling me stories too,
Of where he went to winter last year,
Of how he's going back there too.

Refrain