I am not a superstitious person, but I'm also not opposed to the idea of when things are more than just a coincidence.

Lately, there's this blackbird I've been seeing every time I run down to the Charles. It's happened consecutively, for four days in a row now. I wish I stayed each time, to take at least a phone snap of him, because he is absolutely beautiful. He is a lustrous raven black, with the most vibrant neon orange/red shoulder and yellow wing bar I have ever seen, and every time I approach him, he stays grounded and not frightened (which I don't find typical of many birds). I figured he was some type of blackbird, but which type, I did not know.

Like I said, I'm not superstitious, but at this point, he started to provoke my curiosity. When I got home, I sat down and began to research blackbirds with orange/red wings. Result? The existing Red-winged Blackbird.

Now knowing what subspecies they derive from, I can confirm that I have seen them many times, but only the females, whose markings are a completely dark brown.

More interestingly though, I began to find hundreds and thousands of articles that categorized the red-winged blackbird as a spirit animal totem. A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family, or individual. According to Legends of America, Native American tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides.

I naturally couldn't stop there, as I continued to investigate. Then, I stumbled upon some more interesting information. On the spirit animal totem search, it provided a detailed explanation for 'If Red-wing Blackbird Has Come Flitting Across Your Path...'

This Red-wing Blackbird is letting you know that big changes are coming into your life right now (true, but always true, no matter how subtle). Okay, that seems normal. These changes have been slowly manifesting all around you and are now ready to burst forth and become reality. A little more specific...but it's something I feel like I deal with everyday. If you pay close attention to where you see this blackbird, you may be able to foresee what changes are coming. Okay, much more specific. A little too concurrent now...maybe.

I suppose one of the things that stood out to me most, besides his unique marking was his behavior. Usually, when I walk a little too close to a bird's comfort zone, they start moving in a different direction, or fly. But every time I've encountered this little one, he stops what he's doing for a brief moment and looks directly at me, before continuing on his way.

I saw him again this morning when I was running, in the very same spot. Next to the third large tree before the stone walkway on the left of the Charles. And again, we exchanged brief glances before I continued to run, but I stared back long enough for another person to be able to walk by him and also stop, take out his professional camera, and get a still photo.

I would imagine the totem meanings are the same, but maybe in a more intense and mystical way. In animal symbolism as observed, these flock of birds are also not particular to where they thrive, whether it is roadsides, grassy areas, wetlands, wires and anywhere. It seems that it does not matter for them as long as they flock and consume what they can have for survival. In abundance as they say, they are seen traveling, blending with different subspecies...

Undoubtedly, these are strong characteristics I share, coincidence or not.

For the time being though, I've named my little friend Kohana, meaning swift in Sioux.