Help Protect One of North America’s Most Threatened and Least Known Birds
RUSTY BLACKBIRD 8862, originally uploaded by Mudhen2.
If I asked you what North American bird has suffered a population decline of 85-99%, I would get plenty of answers, but I’m betting Rusty Blackbird wouldn’t be one of them. Undoubtedly, it’s one of our least known birds.
Most of North America’s blackbird species are doing fine, they are highly adaptable and have expanded their ranges and population despite (because of?) human development. But unlike these species, the Rusty Blackbird is a bird of the northern boreal wetlands, wintering in wooded wetlands of the United States.
Fortunately, there’s still time. The species is numbered in the millions and not single or double digits. But the Rusty Blackbird is indeed threatened. Why? Although Partners in Flight estimated their population at 2 million in 2004, it was over 13 million in 1965, decreasing by 10% a year. So it’s just a matter of time before this species becomes extremely rare and then perhaps extinct.
You Can Help! Mark Your Calendars for the Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz!
Knowledge is the key to conservation. We don’t know much about this bird, since its nesting and winter habitats are not easily accessible. The following is from the Migratory Bird Center – The Rusty Blackbird Blitz.
Last year, birders throughout the country scoured the countryside for wintering Rusty Blackbirds to help researchers understand their distribution and find important local concentrations (hotspots).
But there is much more to learn. We want to blitz for several years to both locate more hotspots and determine how stable the already discovered hot spots are from year to year. Already, the information gained is being used to implement research and conservation efforts!
When?
January 30 – February 15, 2010. This is when rusties become easier to find (males sing!) and the population is relatively sedentary.
What?
During a single 17-day period, volunteers will search for Rusty Blackbirds (particularly flocks or concentrations) in any potentially suitable locations or habitats. We will revisit areas of concentration in the future to determine if they are indeed Rusty Blackbird hotspots.
Where?
We focus on the following states known to comprise the Rusty Blackbird winter range: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (east), Virginia, and West Virginia.
How?
It’s simple! Use whatever you like—your database of previous sightings, birding intuition, local legend, or local knowledge—to search the most likely places for wintering Rusty Blackbirds.
You can go wherever you like, whenever you like, and as often as you like anytime between January 30 – February 15, 2010. We are simply looking for the number of birds present at each location, along with very basic habitat information.
The Blitz is loosely organized through a steering committee and state team leaders. These valiant volunteers are there to drum up participation and assist with any questions. Also, they may be able to steer you to areas that need coverage. (find link to list towards bottom of this page)
All you have to do is submit your observations (or lack thereof) via e-Bird. We will do the rest! (Failure to find rusties is important information as well).
Sources of Additional Info:
Migratory Bird Center – The Rusty Blackbird Blitz
eBird: Participate in the Second Annual Rusty Blackbird Blitz!
National Audubon Society – Watchlist – Rusty Blackbird