Miller-Showers showdown: great blue heron versus redwing blackbird

Bloomington, Indiana – On Bloomington’s north side, Miller-Showers Park is squished between College Avenue and Walnut Street.

Redwing blackbirds, who will aggressively defend their breeding territory, are common in the public park. A reader informed The B Square that they had been acting aggressively over the past three days. If you approach too closely, they will flap their wings against your head.

Redwing blackbirds will defend their nests from any perceived threat, including people and other animals.

On Sunday, June 4, 2023, a redwing blackbird confronted a great blue heron, letting the larger bird know it was not allowed to fish in peace.