Hi All,

Upon reading the report of 125 tricolored blackbirds at the cattle feedlot on McManamon Rd (Para Pond Area) I had to go look this morning. I did not find that number. I did find the usual 3 ( over the years I normally find between two and six birds) although I should note this year is the exception with higher numbers seen. I have had a high number of 22 this year! I did look behind the residences (I know the owners and please do not do this yourself) to make sure there were no hidden birds and found two of the three. I did find a pair of wood ducks in the little pond in front of the feedlot and the snow goose was present with the Canada geese in the field across from the Para Pond. A prairie falcon was hunting at the Para Pond as well.

I would like to warn folks that there is a large number of red-winged blackbirds at the Para Pond site that have very light and washed out bars on their wings. This gives them the appearance of being all white and with binos it can fool you, I know from experience! Once you verify the suspect bird you see it is not white and the yellow shows on the ends of the bars. There is also a large number of yellow-headed blackbirds without any apparent yellow and it flight as birds swirl around you could be counting them as tricolors! While giving a tour I was wondering how to describe how you ID tricolors and the white bar a very smart person said " compare the white to that of the yellow-headed blackbird" as we looked at tricolors feeding next to yellow-heads it was so apparent! A good tip and one I will use.

I will go back later today, possibly a couple of times to attempt to find the tricolors reported and will continue to post.

I had birded the Para Pond area on April 2 myself and found only one tricolored blackbird on that day. I may not have reported it because I go by the site between 4-8 times a week and normally do not post every visit.

Good Birding

Bob Flores
Othello, WA