Grackles Come A-Courting Please report the unique sights and sounds of spring from your area. Journey North observes are reporting this sure sign of spring: male grackles, singing in trees. These birds are members of the Black Bird family. Male grackles are back in many northern areas. As soon as the females arrive, the males will start strutting around to attract them. Grackles will perform this display even in backyards, and it's easy to observe. Watch for these big blackbirds in your area, and record the first date they appear. Then watch for the first date that the males start courting behavior. They start the very day the females arrive! You will recognize courting behavior because the males puff out their plumage and bow and make all kinds of creaking noises. Try This! Journaling Question Why do you think grackles have yellow eyes? After you write your thoughts, check with our expert's statements.   Copyright 2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form