Common Grackle Archives | Birdseed & Binoculars

Fewer Mixed Blackbird Flocks at My Feeders 2020

Posted on March 20, 2020March 22, 2020 by Nancie

Last Updated on March 22, 2020

Common Grackles are Often Part of Mixed Flocks

Large mixed “blackbird” flocks are the bane of backyard birdwatchers in late winter and early spring. Appearing in mass, groups of Common Grackles, European Starlings, Brown-Headed Cowbirds and Red-Winged Blackbirds can take over feeders and push other birds out. But this year, for many reasons, the blackbird flocks are not as much of a problem in my yard. Some of this is because of things I’ve done to set up my feeders and some is beyond my control.

When Grackles Don’t Leave

Posted on July 8, 2019March 21, 2020 by Nancie

Last Updated on March 21, 2020

Common Grackle at Squirrel Buster Plus (Perches Removed) — Common Grackle Hovers at Bird Feeder

This year, the spring grackles didn’t leave. Every year, we get flocks of nuisance “blackbirds”, including Common Grackles, in late winter and early spring. In my area, some of these grackles are year-round residents but more northern-based grackles do also migrate through the area, increasing their numbers. They usually only cause problems for a few weeks. This year was different.

Maryland Backyard Birds

Posted on June 15, 2019January 29, 2020 by Nancie

Last Updated on January 29, 2020

What birds can you expect to see in a Maryland backyard? While every property is different with its own mix of birds, many are pretty typical. These are the Maryland backyard birds commonly seen in our central yard.