As you drive along the levee in the late spring, you can hear them calling to one another from among the dense, tall vegetation that grows along the embankment. Finally, you spot one perched on top of a plant stalk that’s swaying in the wind. He throws out his chest, tilts his head back and bellows a loud, sharp song. The dickcissels have once again arrived to nest and raise their young.
“In spring birds return from their tropical vacation. Six months later they regret their decision and go back.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 
Looks like you got a wonderful concert from the beautiful Dickcissels.
Yes, I enjoy rolling the window down and listening to the songs coming from the tall grass as we drive along. This year the Dickcissels were joined by the Red-winged blackbirds.
Beautiful pictures of this lovely bird. And what a terrific quote you included.🤗
Thanks! I think they’re my migrating spring favorites.
Awesome photos!
Thanks, Sheryl!
Beautiful shots, Rebecca. A bird we don’t see around here in New England.
Thanks, Eliza! The only place that I’ve seen it is on the levee.
Fabulous fotos of a stunning bird!
Thanks, Cindy! I do think it’s a beauty.
Beautifully captured, Rebecca!
Thanks, Sue!
Beautiful birds and you really had some great backgrounds to make them even more photogenic Rebecca, especially the photos with they are perched amongst the purple flowers. How lucky you caught them singing those notes – I can imagine how much they are “into it”.
Thanks, Linda. I’m thinking that they probably let the grass grow on the levee while the birds are migrating and nesting and then cut it afterwards. I enjoy seeing all the beautiful wild flowers that grow along there in the spring.
That’s a good idea if they allow the grass and wildflowers to grow to help the birds get sustenance … for us, our season is so much later. The Cardinal Mama at my house was grabbing up a lot of grubs to feed her young – it amazed me how quickly she found live bugs and brought them back.
Your photos are stunning, Rebecca.
Thank you, Alys!
Hi Rebecca,
I work for Wild Farm Alliance and we are creating a publication about protecting beneficial birds on farms and we are wondering if we can use one of your dickcissels photos in it? There is a section on terminating cover crops later in the spring after birds have finished nesting to prevent harming their young. We would provide credit for the photo, just let me know how you would like to be credited. Thanks for considering!
Ashley Chesser, Communication Director
That would be fine. For the credit just put walkingonacountryroad.com
I would enjoy seeing a copy of the publication, with the photo, if that is possible.
My most recent photos of dickcissels were taken on a levee, but when we visited the same spot shortly afterward, the grass had already been mowed down. I wondered at the time whether the young birds had already left the nest.
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
I would be happy to send a copy of the document when it’s finished. Can you share your email with me?
Ashley
rivkah_h AT hotmail DOT com