A sign of respect!

  Several weeks ago, I pulled a big wad of algae out of the wallow near the pier.  Mark's skiff had been lodged in the only inlet into the pool making it nigh on impossible for a good flow of water.  Usually the change of tides pulls enough of the stagnant water out and pushes fresh in so that the algae does not have a chance to grow.  The stuff was already creating such a mess that the bull minnows were gasping for air.  Instead of hauling the heavy stuff up a hundred foot or so to the shore, I just plopped it onto the pier.  There, it could sundry and then I could lift it with no problem.  I had good intentions of using the stuff in the garden since it is a good fertilizer for most plants.

  After a couple of days, I noticed that I was not the only one interested in the dried algae.  Two Redwinged Blackbirds were taking turns at the mound.  They would tug at the strands until a nice sized chunk was dislodged then away the birds would fly.  One headed west while the other went east.  Both were males.  (I do believe that the larger and more dominant of the two was the "General" as his wingbars were much more prominent!  He has been around for a few years now and, more or less, rules all of the others.  He eats at the feeders when he wants, drinks from the birdbath whenever he pleases and roosts where he wants with no interference from any of the younger males.  At the algae wad, the same courtesy was given to him as at the other places. The younger bird patiently waited his turn. The General rules.  

  As near as I can tell, the blackbirds were using the dried algae as nesting materials.  The General only went a few feet west of the pier with his shreds.  Mrs. General must have been waiting in the shrubs for her partner to bring material home for her to line the nest.  He made more trips than the other, younger male.  So he was able to choose the finest of the algae.  

  I watched for a while and then decided to inspect the algae.  Sure enough, the stuff had dried but was downy soft making it perfect as nest lining.  Good job, General!  And thank you for sharing with your subordinates!  I am sure the youngsters appreciate your tutelage on nest-building!