April 24, 2015: Earlier this spring I participated in the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz. Having seen a Rusty Blackbird at Sabattus Pond last fall, I decided to check the same location this Spring. My first visit to the pond at the beginning of April resulted in no Rusty Blackbirds, but on a return trip in the afternoon on April 24 I spotted one in the top of a tree near the swamp just across the street from the pond in the same location I had seen one last fall. My daughter was driving so we crept close and I shot this picture and the next through the window. Of course, as soon as I stepped out of the car, the bird bolted, so this is the best I could do, but you can certainly see the square tail (which rules out a grackle) and in the next shot, you can see the pale eye (which rules out a Red-winged Blackbird). I intend to go back there this fall. Hopefully I will finally get a better photo of this elusive and declining species!
You can read more about Rusty Blackbirds and Sabattus Pond by following the links below:
Thank you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see the bird you re looing for Katie.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret!
DeleteNever knew there was such a thing as a Rusty Blackbird :)
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