Subject: Rusty Blackbird in Snohomish County
Date: Jan 20 19:39:54 2003
From: Marv Breece - mbreece at foxinternet.net


Yesterday I arrived at the Norman Rd location just north of Silvana about
1:30PM. There wasn't a blackbird in sight. I traveled Norman Rd and about
2 miles or so from Pioneer Hwy I found a huge flock in tall trees across the
river. Actually, I heard them first. Otherwise, I may not have seen them.
They flew back and forth across the river, feeding in fields and around farm
buildings. At 4:00PM I saw the RUSTY BLACKBIRD on Norman Road 2.25 miles
from Pioneer Hwy.

It was with red-wings, brewers, cowbirds and starlings. The cap was a rich
reddish brown set off by a well-defined supercilium. Dark below with
obvious edging. A striking bird and very fun to see. My advice: find the
flock, try to anticipate where the birds are feeding and which way they are
moving. Park and wait. These birds were very spooky. But as I waited they
approached me very close with no problem.

Good luck.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA