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Subject:

Rusty Blackbirds at Fort Smallwood

From:

Bill Hubick

Reply-To:

Bill Hubick

Date:

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 14:31:34 -0800

Hi Everyone,

After the hungry mobs of birds emptied my feeders this afternoon, I
stepped out to re-fill them, still hoping to lure in a redpoll. House
Finch and goldfinch numbers were in the teens here today, which is
promising enough considering I'm just a couple blocks from Fort Smallwood.
When I walked outside, I noted a southbound vulture, and then another and
another. There was a truly impressive stream of Turkey Vultures heading
south over my house, apparently staying just ahead of the approaching
storm. I counted 95 TURKEY VULTUREs in about 5 minutes, but I might have
seen only the tail end. One adult COOPER'S HAWK soared past as well, also
southbound.

Intrigued by the sight, I headed over to Fort Smallwood as heavy rain
began to fall. I was hoping to re-find the redpolls, but ended up spending
my time looking through about 400 Red-winged Blackbirds foraging in the
low area southwest of the old barracks. Along the periphery of the flock,
working a separate puddle, were two attractive RUSTY BLACKBIRDs, my first
at Fort Smallwood. Matt Grey had a chance to cruise over and see one of
them. Interesting day!

Good birding,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com