While most of the comments I've received strongly agree that
it is not a Great-tailed Grackle and most (except for the guy
who suggested Brown-headed Cowbird) lean toward first winter
Common Grackle in the middle of a tail molt....

I received this provocative suggestion.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [BIRDWG01] A vexing blackbird (with URL)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 20:21:19 -0500
From: Paul Lehman <lehmfinn at verizon.net>
To: celata at PACIFIER.COM
References: <3DC04081.14A3BB3B at pacifier.com>

Mike:

How's about a hybrid Brewer's Blackbird X Great-tailed Grackle? Such
pairings have been known to occur.

--Paul Lehman



Mike Patterson
Astoria, OR
celata at pacifier.com

A child who becomes acquainted with the birds about him
hears every sound and puzzles out its meaning with a cleverness
that amazes those with ears who hear not.

-Neltje Blanchan

http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/bird.html