[birdky] Thanks to all who participated in the Rusty Blackbird Blitz!

From: "Heyden, Kathryn (FW)" <kathryn.heyden@xxxxxx>
To: "birdkentucky" <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:30:18 -0500
Thanks to all who participated in the 2010 Rusty Blackbird Blitz!  The
Blitz ended yesterday, but please continue to enter any observations you
had for the blitz period.  It would be best if observations were
reported by the end of this week.  

 

Patterns of Rusty Blackbird occurrence were probably a bit different in
2010 than in recent years, likely due to the cold and snowy weather
we've been having.  A few folks had Rusty Blackbirds show up at their
feeders, which is somewhat rare!

 

Thanks very much to those who participated!  Preliminary Results can be
viewed at the website below:

 

Explore Data
<http://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?src=changeDate&speciesCodes=rusbla&getLo
cations=states&states=US-KY&parentState=US-KY&reportType=species&monthRa
dio=on&bMonth=02&eMonth=02&bYear=2010&eYear=2010&continue.x=69&continue.
y=13> 

 

KY Birders have already located several areas which are being used for
research of Rusty Blackbirds!  Over the past few weeks, I've been
catching Rusty Blackbirds at a few sites and taking blood and feather
samples in order to contribute to projects going on within the Rusty
Blackbird Technical Working Group to assess population genetics,
contaminant loads, parasites, demographics, and distribution.  I'll pass
along reports on any results.

 

Even though the Blitz is over, it is still helpful to contribute data on
the Rusty Blackbird.  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.  Rusties will
continue using wintering areas through March.  In March and April we get
many migrating Rusty Blackbirds moving through, which sometimes show up
in unexpected places.  All reports are appreciated.

 

For those who still wish to report observations, the necessary
information is below.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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? 

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[birdky] Thanks to all who participated in the Rusty Blackbird Blitz!

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