[Bristol-Birds] Re: more about the Rusty Blackbirds at Paddle Creek

Wallace,

As you probably recall from posts I've sent over the years, Greene County tends 
to be a good spot for Rusty Blackbirds.  During the peak time from November to 
March, I can usually find them on any given day in the western part of the 
county if I'm willing to put in enough time.  The numbers in which they occur 
are normally a few to a few dozen.  My personal high count is 200+, found on 
February 29, 2004.  

I have often seen them exhibit behavior similar to what you observed on October 
27.  In fact, when I'm searching diligently for Rusties, I drive around until I 
find a wet pasture, muddy paddock, or slightly flooded woodlot.  I learned a 
long time ago that this is where they hang out, and I hardly expect them 
anywhere else.  Fortunately, Greene County still offers a lot of this habitat.  

I was thrilled to read of the magnificent flock of Rusty Blackbirds that you 
found on Monday.  Long may these threatened beauties live.  Thanks for your 
post and follow-up.

Don Miller
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN 


----- Original Message -----
From: Wallace Coffey <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: Bristol-birds <bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:52:44 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Bristol-Birds] more about the Rusty Blackbirds at Paddle Creek

Area Birders,

Many of you may be rather astonished at 
the number of Rusty Blackbirds estimated
in the vicinity of Paddle Creek Ponds on
Monday.

. . . . . . . . . 

Wallace Coffey
Bristol, TN 

 





 




  Paddle Creek Ponds
  Sullivan Co, TN:

  Dunlin 1
  Rusty Blackbirds ~500
  Brown-headed Cowbirds ~300
  Eastern Meadowlark 10
  Hooded Merganser 3
  Killdeer 9
  Great Blue Heron 3
  Mallard 2
  Cooper's Hawk 1
  Gadwall 4

  Musick's Campground
  South Holston Lake
  Sullivan Co., TN

  Just a few minutes behind Rick Knight's observations.
  The only thing different was:

  Common Loon - 2

  Did see two birds at rest well downstream with the wind
  blowing too hard and waves creating too much movement
  for my scope.  Felt the birds might be scoters but could
  not get a positive ID on that, let alone the species.
  Was fascinated at the reports of Surf Scoters seen today.

  Rooty Branch Wetlands near Bristol TN Water Treatment
  Plan, eastern Sullivan Co:

  Wood Ducks 4
  Mallards 2

  Holston Mountain (3,500 ft. to 4,400 ft.) was white with
  snow near the top.

  Let's go birding. . . . .

  Wallace Coffey
  Bristol, TN











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