Continuing this Rusty Blackbird thread, I used to see them fairly regularly
in PA in past years, but have been surprised that they are not more often
seen here in No. VA. Ironically, until today I had only seen 8 individuals
this Fall in several trips where they "should be" including Sky Meadows,
North Fork Wetlands, Huntley Meadows, etc. I was able to pick out 10
individuals today at Occoquan Bay NWR, primarily in one flock of 8 that
passed overhead and another pair that actually vocalized. There were likely
more among the many mixed icterid flocks as well.
We know that their numbers are greatly reduced, but I also think they often
go unreported because many birders don't know how to ID them or they are
among mixed flocks and harder to pick out. It really helps to know their
"squeaky hinge" call. It also seems like they rarely ever want to give us a
"good look" like Val got recently!!
Jay
----- Original Message -----
From: <Phoebetria@xxxxxxx>
To: <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2004 8:28 AM
Subject: [va-bird] Re: Rusty Blackbirds at Fort Smith Park, Arlington, Nov.
10
local
Hi all -
Val's identification of Rusty Blackbirds is an important one, both for
avifaunal lists and for the species as a whole. I wonder if it would beposts
worthwhile for all of us to include mention of Rusty Blackbirds in these
(and on eBird) when we observe them. According to BBS data, theirpopulations
have declined by some 97.9% since 1966; that's the sharpest decline forany
North American passerine, even greater than for Henslow's Sparrow (96.4%).To
request copies of the North American Landbird Conservation Plan, which hasmost
interesting information of this sort, check the web at:
http://www.partnersinflight.org/cplan.htm
Here in town, I've seen no Rusties this year, despite looking for them;
of the thickets and woods they favored by waterways have been cut out ornow cleared
thinned for 'development' (over by the former Cape Charles golf course,
for homes). The thinking is that their decline has to do with the lossof
forested wetlands and edges in the southeastern United States.into
Today's high winds out of the north have brought about 58 Common Loons
the harbor at Cape Charles, along with many gulls and Forster's Terns.There
was apparently some flight of Song Sparrows last night (an abundantspecies
this fall), as they are all around the pier at the harbor mouth as well.email to va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx. To unsubscribe, send email to
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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