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By John Trott
change as the bird moves; with the light behind him a grackle is black — a true blackbird.
When, I saw the first grackle land on the platform bird feeder in late February, I said to Lee: “Uh oh. Now people will start talking and worrying about all those blackbirds.” I have never quite understood why large numbers of blackbirds cause such concern and unease. Why do they seem a threat? A happy flock of goldfinches or House Finches is usually welcomed. Is it because grackles are big and, well, so black?
Maybe I am just not emotionally equipped to feel anything but delight in all birds. I like all birds except starlings and House Sparrows. These two are biological pollutants introduced from Europe in the 19th century. Both have caused disorder and population declines among native birds with which they .compete for- food and nest sites. These two birds will have to be dealt with (harshly) in a future Virginia Naturalist column.
Common Grackles strut and swagger as they walk about the lawn looking for insects. They have long legs and big feet. In (heir manner of walking 1 am often reminded of a boy with tight jeans with his hands in his pockets, proud and
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