Red Wing Blackbirds in Lake Marshes - Early Spring?

[West Basin]

Looked at the bird counts for Ottawa County from the Great Backyard Bird Count. Two dozen Red Wing Blackbirds and two Greenwing Teal sighted in a marsh on north side of Sandusky Bay. On February 20!

Now I know there are always a few birds ahead of the rest, but Red Wing Blackbirds, an annual sign of spring, as far north as Lake Erie on February 20?! And Green Wing Teal?

I don't want to "jump the gun" here, but it sure doesn't feel like winter out there and yes the the 14 day forecast isn't spring-like, but maybe after that? The wildlife telling us somethig?

[itsbob]

Well Dave, feels like spring here in Cleveland already.Have not experienced such a mild winter in all the years I've lived here Not many bitterly cold days and very little snow.We are now a month away from the official start of spring and traditionally, the charters start launching their boats into the marinas.Have to be careful not to launch too early because of possible freezing of the lines Sure some guys will try and get in early if the forecast is favorable.The walleye fishing should be great again this year with all the great hatches we have had.Looking forward to it.

[rexles]

I have seen red wing blackbirds at my feeder and heard them singing a couple days before I saw any.
Hoping to get my boat in at the end of March for sure.

[pimplepounder]

Good Deal,

I have been seeing red-wing black birds for 2 weeks now. Yesterday I bumped some wood ducks up off of the ditch at the farm. VW Co. So they are back now.

Spring is almost here!

I am sure looking forward to it.