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Subject:

Yellow-headed Blackbird Photos

From:

Bill Hubick

Reply-To:

Bill Hubick

Date:

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:54:15 -0700

Hi Everyone,

I spent about seven hours today scouring the fields of southern St. Mary's Co. for the YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD found by Patty Craig on 11/15. I was joined by Mike Burchett and Betsy Bangert for much of the afternoon. 

The bird was seen until around 10:30 a.m., but then blackbird activity all but disappeared until 5:30 p.m. After a long day of searching, the sight of that bird bursting out of the grass among 200 cowbirds was a breathtaking, unforgettable sight. I spent an hour enjoying great scope views punctuated by bursts of photos of the flying flock. The Yellow-headed was last seen on the east side of Route 5 about a quarter mile south of Long Neck Road.

Patty mentioned that the Yellow-headed did not perch on the wires, choosing to perch on the ground, the telephone pole, or a perch attached to the pole. During an hour of watching the active flock, this was always the case. It was also impressive to see how easily the entire flock could disappear into the short grass.

Here are a few photos:
http://www.billhubick.com/photos/updates/20101011.php

Thanks again, Patty!  

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com