Hey Derek,

Your bird is a male rusty blackbird.

When rusties molt in the fall, they have that beautiful rusty-colored
plumage tipping that wears off by breeding season to become the typical
'black' bird. Besides the rusty plumage, the white iris gives it away as a
rusty. The largely glossy black plumage with dark black rump gives it away
as a male. Currently that rusty is en route to the south to winter. Nice
find at the feeder!

If you get a chance, could you report this to ebird?
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/bird-watchers-urgently-needed-to-track-rusty

This has probably been posted on MDOsprey before, but I urge anyone that
sees rusty blackbirds to please report their occurrence on ebird. The rusty
blackbird is in fast decline and researchers are using this program to track
their presence throughout the eastern us to try to understand this
understudied species. The link has other information that is requested along
with the report.

In addition, there will be a Rusty Blackbird Blitz in Feb to determine
wintering hot spots in the southeastern US. Maryland and the surrounding
states are included in this survey and volunteers are needed! Save the date!

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rusty_Blackbird/blitz.cfm
-- 
Desiree L. Narango
(410) 458-4530


On Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 11:01 AM, Derek C. Richardson <>wrote:

> As part of the Tridelphia CBC (and FeederWatch), I've been watching my
> feeder birds in Laurel, MD (PG County) today. I've got a mystery bird for
> which I seek ID help.  Photos and 2 movies here:
>
> http://www.astro.umd.edu/~dcr/xfer/Unknown/<http://www.astro.umd.edu/%7Edcr/xfer/Unknown/>
>
> Some notes: the bird seems smaller (lengthwise) than a Blue Jay and
> marginally larger than starling and cardinal.  It's been in the yard for
> over an hour now, feeding on worms and cracked corn.  It's a bit skittish,
> and flicks its tail a lot.  I have my guess, but I'm not certain at all
> about the ID.  Any/all help appreciated!  I will report the consensus
> opinion.
>
> D
>
> --
> Derek C. Richardson, Laurel, PG County, MD
> http://www.astro.umd.edu/~dcr/Archives/Photos/birds.html<http://www.astro.umd.edu/%7Edcr/Archives/Photos/birds.html>
>



-- 
Desiree L. Narango
(410) 458-4530