I've been perusing the blackbird flocks around the Sequim area for years, looking at thousands of individuals over and over until I see black dots flitting about in my sleep. A couple of weeks ago, Michael Barry said he saw one within a few blocks of where i live near a cow manure pile on Pt. Williams Rd. I diligently looked for days, and thought I saw one a couple of time just before the jumpy flock flushed and sallied elsewhere. Today, ta da, to compensate for all the others, a bird flew in and lit within 25 ft., I got the binocs on it, a juv. Rusty!!!!, and grabbed the camera and it stayed put while I took several fairly close shots. Once in a hundred days, one cooperated. I don't know how many folks driving by have asked "what are you doing" looking at that manure pile, but finally I had something to show for it besides gunk on my boots!

Bruce Paige
Sequim WA

spruceak at yahoo.com