This ms. was sent originally to members of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society, but should have interest for MDOsprey members as well as others:

Once again this year, researchers have organized a "Rusty Blackbird
Blitz" to gather citizen input on the status of wintering rusty
blackbirds.

Rusty blackbird populations have fallen steeply, with estimates of
an 85-99% population drop over the past 40 years. Although no one
knows the cause for this decline, winter habitat loss and degradation
are likely candidates.

The blitz is being held from January 30-February 15. If you'd like to
participate, here's a link from the Smithsonian Institution's
Migratory Bird Center that provides full information:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rusty_Blackbird/blitz.cfm

http://www.potomacaudubon.org/

Jim (Michael) Speicher
jugornought—at—yahoo-dot-com
Bethesda @work :(
Broad Run_S. FRED Co @home