Rusty Blackbirds

Spotted Sunday on Old Connecticut River Road.
http://northernwingsbirder.blogspot.com/2014/03/rusty-blackbirds.html

Sunday, March 23, 2014 Rusty Blackbirds Today six Rusty Blackbirds were observed and digiscoped on Old Connecticut River Road in Springfield, Vermont. These were in a flock of 10+ Red-winged Blackbirds and four Common Grackles. Rusty Blackbird is a North American species of high conservation concern. Since the 1960s its population has declined 85 to 99%. Causes of this trend are unknown at this time, but the scientific community suspects global climate change and habitat degradation/loss. The 2014 Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz is a citizen science effort to engage birders in seeking out "rusties" and to submit their observations on-line. Check out the link for details.   Male Rusty Blackbird in late basic/early alternate plumage. Male Rusty Blackbird (left) and Red-winged Blackbird (right).