Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz \u2013 Please join!<\/b><\/p>\n
Have you heard a squeaky-hinge song lately, or seen a flash of rust-tipped feathers under a bright yellow eye? Although occasionally overlooked as \u201cjust another blackbird,\u201d Rusty Blackbirds face an unfortunate and remarkable notoriety: this species has endured a decline more severe than that of any other once-common landbird \u2013 85-95% in the past 40 years.<\/p>\n
In March of 2014, the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, eBird, and many other state, federal, and local partners, launched a Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz<\/b> that challenges birders to scour the landscape for Rusty Blackbirds during this species\u2019 northward migration.<\/p>\n
Thirty-eight states, nine provinces, and three territories will participate in this international effort to find Rusty Blackbirds; each region is assigned a set of target dates during which local birders will seek this elusive species. It\u2019s easy to participate \u2013 bird as you normally do during your province’s target dates and submit your data to eBird using the \u201cRusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz\u201d Observation Type (from the drop down menu under Other).<\/p>\n
Interested in learning more about Rusty Blackbirds, or want to learn more about your province\u2019s Blitz efforts? Use our Migration Blitz website (http:\/\/rustyblackbird.org\/outreach\/migration-blitz\/<\/a>) to learn more about Rusty Blackbird identification, the factors in this species’ population decline, or get more details about Blitz data collection and submission.<\/p>\n \u00a0For Nova Scotia the target dates are mid-April through mid-May<\/b>. If you see Rusty Blackbirds\u00a0outside those dates, please report them as well, of course! It is also important to record data if you look for Rusty Blackbirds and do not see any. For more details on collecting and reporting data relating to this species, please see: http:\/\/rustyblackbird.org\/outreach\/migration-blitz\/collecting-and-reporting-data\/<\/a><\/p>\n Also, follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about the Blitz: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rustyblackbirdspringblitz<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0If you have any questions about Rusty Blackbirds, this program, or how to submit your data through eBird.org, I would be more than happy to help. Thanks!<\/p>\n \u00a0Kate Steele<\/p>\n katefsteele@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n Provincial Coordinator for NS \u2013 Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz \u2013 Please join! Have you heard a squeaky-hinge song lately, or seen a flash of rust-tipped feathers under a bright yellow eye? Although occasionally overlooked as \u201cjust another blackbird,\u201d Rusty Blackbirds face an unfortunate and … Continue reading