Hmmm, Feeder Bird ID

cpackjr

12 years ago

Don't remember seeing this one much.
First thought of female Redwing Blackbird.
Thanks for any help,
Charles

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Comments (6)

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
12 years ago
Maybe a Rusty Blackbird?

I've never seen one and I remember there was a survey a few years ago asking people to record where and when they saw them. The species is in serious decline.

I just looked and found this page on eBird saying that "a new Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz will occur in March-April of 2014".

It would be great if you could send this photo to eBird for confirmation.

Claire

This post was edited by claire on Mon, Dec 9, 13 at 10:37
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
12 years ago
Another reference:

International Rusty Blackbird Working Group

Claire
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birding_nut
12 years ago
Yes, they are both Rusty Blackbirds.

BN
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
12 years ago
I'm glad that BN confirmed the ID. Please pardon my enthusiasm but I went through a period where I really wanted to see Rusty Blackbirds here in southeastern MA, but I never did. So I'm taking pleasure in your sighting.

Here is a section of the page in the Sibley Guide to Birds, showing the adult female (non-breeding) Rusty Blackbird. It looks a lot like yours.

Claire
cpackjr
Original Author
12 years ago
Hey,
Thanks for the help. I will do some follow up and try to get better photos.
These birds are hanging around and I just don't remember seeing them before.
I am a serious wild flower enthusist and have been more and more interested in birds during long winter months.
I keep saying that I don't have time for another hobby, but I keep getting deeper and deeper.
Thanks Again,
Charles

"When your hobbies get in the way of your work - that's OK; but when your hobbies get in the way of themselves... well...Ã¢ÂÂ. Mark Twain

Here is a link that might be useful: West Virginia Native Wildflowers-The Big Year, 2013
calliope
12 years ago
Good photos and congrats on your sighting. I am a newly retired professional gardener, and I have to chuckle because we fill our winter months with bird watching too. birding and gardening go hand-in-hand because your gardening milieu is an ecosystem and the fauna interacts with the flora and one impacts the other. I like to think of it as you are more aware of the natural world around you. It's a natural and complementary progression. If you haven't already become one, I forecast you will also become a weather nerd.

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Hmmm, Feeder Bird ID

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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

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Hmmm, Feeder Bird ID

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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA

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