Dave, you reminded me of the largest flock I ever saw several years
back,
at the south end of Egypt Rd. where it connects with Key Wallace Dr.
(near
Blackwater NWR). Others estimated it at well over a quarter
million, but it was
mixed: blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, and, yes, starlings.
Such flocks often appear on the Eastern Shore, but my experience is
that they
are a moving target shifting every day. So many birds can glean &
clean out
a field in a very short time.
Good luck.
Leo Weigant
On Aug 11, 2009, at 1:22 PM, CURSON, David wrote:
> Can anyone suggest sites in Maryland for particularly spectacular
> blackbird flocks in autumn? See the message below for a chance to
> put Maryland on the Discovery Channel. This would be a great
> opportunity to show off some our wild marshes to a wide audience.
>
> It would need to be a site where really large flocks (>20,000?, >
> 50,000?) can reliably be found.
>
> Any ideas? I'll happily forward them.
>
> Dave
>
> David Curson, PhD
> Director of Bird Conservation,
> Audubon Maryland-DC
> Tel: (410) 675 4963
>
>
>
> From: Cate Donnegoold [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:25 AM
> To: IBA
> Cc: Cate Donnegoold
> Subject: Blackbird Flock Hotspots
>
> Hello,
>
> I work for a Production Company in England creating a series of
> programs on North American Wildlife for the Discovery Channel. I
> am currently researching both location and time of year for
> witnessing (and filming) species of blackbird flocking together to
> migrate after breeding. No particular species is necessary, though
> they must not be introduced (so no starlings please) - I also
> believe various species will often flock together?
>
> Would you possibly be able to help me with some advice on timings
> and locations of particularly spectacular flocks, or indeed put me
> it touch with someone else who may be able to help me?
>
> Many thanks,
> Cate Donnegoold
>
> Production Secretary, Wild Horizons Ltd
> 59 Cotham Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS6 6JR
> Telephone: 0117 906 4320 |