I think, maybe, we're pretty sure we saw a male RUSTY
BLACKBIRD today. The location was one mile from the
intersection of Kettle Falls Road and Lake Ellen Road on the
Lake Ellen road. Delorme P. 117. D, 7.

The sky was slight overcast.
Time of observation was from 12.00 to 12.20 pm
Distance to bird was from 30 to about 100 feet.
Visual aids were 8x40 and 9.5x44 bins. and spotting scope.
Number of observers = two.
Habitat was pasture/grazing land.
There were two male BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS in the immediate area
to compare with. This bird stayed near the Brewer's, but kept
to itself and was busy feeding on some sort of insects in the
field the whole time we observed it. The main difference was
that this bird had a slight dark green sheen over all the body
and head, whereas the male Brewer's Blackbirds had a slight
purplish sheen about the head and upper neck. After getting
home I read that the Rusty Blackbird has a longer bill.
(Peterson's) At the time of observation we did not notice
this. :-(

A full report of our Ferry County trip will be posted
tomorrow.

Jerry and Sandy Converse
Grand Coulee, WA

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember, amateurs built the Ark and
Professionals built the Titanic.