We're coming into the second weekend of the Rusty Blackbird Blitz! Don't forget to keep those Rusties in mind when you're out looking at birds this weekend! The weather this winter (snowy, wet and cold) may be causing Rusty Blackbirds to show up in irregular areas. Some of the more reliable locations have not produced sightings this year; while other less-predictable areas have produced sightings. Regardless, there are many more spots to check so let's get out and better document this species' distribution in our state! Please feel free to e-mail me for more information, specific to Kentucky and see below for details. Rusty Blackbird Blitz will occur January 30-February 15, 2010. The Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz will occur throughout the Rusty Blackbird winter range in over 20 midwestern and southeastern states. Participants will simply be asked to visit locations where they have previously sighted or would expect to encounter Rusty Blackbirds and submit their observations via e-Bird. Please see the protocol posted at the website below. Attached is an optional datasheet you might use if you find it helpful. I've also attached a flyer which contains some general ID tips and info. The purpose of the Blitz is to gain a better understanding of the distribution and habitat use of rusty blackbirds throughout their range, thus all observations of rusty blackbirds (even those that might visit feeders during this snow and cold-snap) are valuable! If you don't use eBird regularly, please consider entering all your observations of Rusty Blackbirds (even outside the Blitz period). All observations will be used by researchers currently studying their steep, long-term population decline. Protocol and additional information on identification, habitat preferences, etc., have been posted on the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's Rusty Blackbird website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research /Rusty_Blackbird/protocol.cfm Information is also available on Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's e-Bird site: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/rubl-survey-2010 Thanks to anyone who participates and feel free to e-mail me if you'd like a few ideas for potential areas to search for rusty blackbirds. Have a good weekend! -Kate Kate Heyden Avian Biologist Nongame Branch KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-7109 ext. 4475 Fax: (502) 564 4519 kathryn.heyden@xxxxxx <mailto:kathryn.heyden@xxxxxx> www.fw.ky.gov <http://www.fw.ky.gov/> Did you know... Department of Fish and Wildlife receives NO state tax dollars and manages wildlife for all citizens? Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachment, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender, by e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message.