By Guest Contributor: KATRINA HASE

Each spring, the sounds change almost overnight. The quiet of winter gives way to a chorus of calls, whistles, and chatter as returning migrants reclaim their territories. Among the most noticeable arrivals are the blackbirds—bold, social, and impossible to ignore.

While they can be ravenous and boisterous at feeders, they are also fascinating to observe. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can appreciate their role in spring while still maintaining harmony for the rest of your songbirds.

Meet the Spring “Blackbirds”

Several members of the blackbird family arrive in Minnesota in early to mid-spring:

• Red-winged Blackbird

• Common Grackle

• Brown-headed Cowbird

• European Starling

The first three are native members of the blackbird family (Icteridae) and often travel and forage in mixed flocks, especially during migration and in early spring. It’s common to see them descend on a feeding area together, moving in as a group and feeding at the same time.

European Starlings, while not native to North America, frequently join these flocks. Though they aren’t true blackbirds, they behave similarly at feeders and often arrive alongside them.

Fascinating Group Behavior

If you pause to watch rather than rush to refill an emptied feeder, you’ll notice remarkable social dynamics.

When feeding in a group, male Red-winged Blackbirds often “tuck in” their bright red and yellow shoulder patches, keeping them less visible. Those brilliant epaulets are typically flashed during territorial or defensive displays, but at the feeder—when feeding cooperatively in numbers—they’re often subdued. The dramatic posturing is saved for marsh edges and fence lines.

Common Grackles add another layer of intrigue. While some birds focus on eating, you may notice one or two standing taller, heads lifted, scanning the surroundings. It can look like a patrol system—birds rotating between feeding and vigilance, ready to alert the group to potential danger.

Perhaps most impressive is how these flocks move. They often arrive within minutes of one another, settle in to feed, and then—at the slightest hint of danger—burst into the air in near-perfect unison. The synchronized takeoff is sudden and dramatic, leaving feeders swinging and the yard momentarily quiet again.

The Challenge at Feeders

Blackbirds are energetic and efficient eaters. In large numbers, they can dominate feeders and quickly empty trays meant for chickadees, finches, and other smaller songbirds. Their size and assertiveness can discourage shyer birds from approaching.

Yet their presence is also a sign of seasonal change. The bubbling trill of a Red-winged Blackbird is one of spring’s most recognizable sounds. The key isn’t eliminating them—it’s managing how and where they feed.

Strategies for Selective Feeding

With a few adjustments, you can support a variety of birds while minimizing feeder congestion.

1. Offer Cracked Corn Away from Main Feeders

One strategy I’ve used in my own yard is to provide cracked corn in a ground feeder placed a distance away from the primary feeding station. This gives blackbirds a food source that appeals to them while keeping them occupied away from tube feeders and suet.

An added perk? Ground feeding can also attract visiting Mallard Ducks, turning your yard into even more of a spring spectacle.

2. Choose Seeds Strategically

Many blackbirds show less interest in golden safflower compared to sunflower or mixed seed blends. Offering golden safflower in tube feeders can help ensure that cardinals, chickadees, and finches continue to have access without as much competition.

Serving Nyjer® seed is another effective strategy. It attracts finches and chickadees but is generally not of interest to blackbirds, helping keep feeding space available for smaller songbirds.

3. Adjust Suet Offerings

Switching to plain suet—without added seeds or large inclusions—can sometimes make it less attractive to blackbirds while still providing valuable energy for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Upside-down suet feeders can also make it more difficult for larger, aggressive birds to dominate while still accommodating clinging species.

A Part of Spring’s Soundtrack

The sights and sounds of blackbirds are woven into the fabric of spring. Their chatter, synchronized flights, and bold personalities signal that the season is shifting.

While they can present challenges at feeders, a few selective feeding strategies can maintain balance in your yard. With thoughtful placement, seed choices, and feeder adjustments, you can welcome the energy of blackbirds while continuing to support the full chorus of spring songbirds.

After all, spring is livelier with them than without them.