Thanksgiving 2023 is in the history books. The remnants of the festive meal reside in the fridge, being reduced slowly each day. Turkey sandwiches, turkey in salads, turkey soup and any other recipe the late fowl-of-honor can be utilized in for the sake of space in the icebox.
Additionally, there is likely a review of the meal’s conversation (and controversies). Given a mix of opinionated personalities willing to share their thoughts, animated dialog is almost always the result.
The sociable discussion can quickly become a garrulous cacophony with two or more of the participants with rigid positions attempting to talk over everyone.
To the observer the scene is reminiscent of a gaggle of grackles. Commonly known as Blackbirds, this native bird includes two distinct species and is known for its loud and energetic vocalization.
Grackles are frequently seen in gregarious flocks which forage for a meal in residential lawns, mowed pastures, and even parking lots where food scraps are quickly eaten. Competition for the leftovers usually gets quite animated, with many displaying some less than fraternal behavior.
Quiscalus quiscula, as these avian species are scientifically identified, are not really black. On close examination the males of both the Common Grackle and the Boat Tailed Grackle have dark blue or purple iridescent feathers.
They weigh up to five ounces and have a wingspan potential of 18 inches. Their eyes are typically yellow in color.
The females are smaller than the males and without the iridescent feathers. Their feathers are an earth tone brown which allows them to better blend into a leafy background during nesting.
The local population’s members are residential (non-migratory) birds which remain in the area year-round. There are migratory flocks from northern states which arrive with the cold weather, but they return to their native habitats in the spring.
Nesting begins in spring and more than one brood per year is common. The nests are well camouflaged in thick foliage or located in tall trees, especially pines.
Female grackles are easily distinguished from males by their brown feathers. The muted tone is especially helpful during nesting periods as the mama bird’s color blends in with her environment.
Occasionally their eggs will be laid in previously occupied woodpecker nests in tree trunks high above the ground. It is common to find nests within close proximity to ponds, rivers and other water sources. A clutch is typically four to seven eggs.
Incubation of the eggs lasts about two weeks, and the chicks fledge at about three weeks of age. Frequently the flock nests in the same area and the chicks remain as members of the flock.
Their diet is omnivorous, depending on availability, and very opportunistic. Seeds, berries, acorns and grains are supplemented with frogs, lizards, insects and spiders.
Grackles in panhandle Florida, and other locations, will often forage on the ground. They will walk along, usually in flocks, on turf, or they will wade in shallow water hunting for a tidbit.
Freshly mowed lawns, pastures and hayfields are a popular feeding site for grackle flocks. Insects are exposed by the mowing and the open space allows these birds to watch for predators.
Whether eating, roosting or scouting for a meal, they will be singing in harsh dissonant tones. Some of their calls have been unfavorably equated to a rusty door hinge.
With flocks in the hundreds of birds, the grating noise is hard to ignore. In times past people have taken drastic measures to scare off the noisy grackles.
Much like Thanksgiving dinner guests who go to any length to express themselves, the noisy grackles can be relocated, but never silenced.
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