Blackbirds clearing the trees

During autumn in Southeast Missouri, large flocks of blackbirds often can be seen crossing the sky in long lines. Sometimes these lines can reach from horizon to horizon. Although the family of blackbirds includes some birds such as meadow larks and crows, these large flocks usually are made up of those that are black in color and similar in size such as the red-winged blackbird and the rusty blackbird.

These flocks are quite noisy, and, if you happen to be under trees in which they congregate to rest, you may receive a dropping on your head.

In recent years, these large flocks seem to have become less intense, and the lines crossing the sky are often shorter. Still, the blackbirds of America remain in large numbers and are listed officially as being of "least concern."