Tag: Rusty Blackbird

Free! Spring Bird Walk at Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a free bird walk at Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester on Wednesday, May 8 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Join Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Director Amy Weidensaul for a walk that will traverse beautiful coastline and wetlands as well as forested habitat. We’ll search for migrating birds such as wood-warblers and flycatchers in the woodland edges, and for nesting birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, Bobolinks, and Field Sparrows in the grassland. We’ll also pay close attention to birdsong as we spend a slow-paced morning enjoying the nature of Massachusetts. Bring binoculars if you have them, or let us know when you register if you need to borrow a pair.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To reserve your spot and get directions, call 978-887-9264 or register online at massaudubon.org/ipswichriver.

May 8, 2019 (Wednesday) 9:00am – 11:00am

Location:

Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Gloucester

Instructor:

Amy Weidensaul – Ipswich River Sanctuary Director

Audience:

Adult

SHORT BIT OF FOOTAGE OF THE ENDANGERED RUSTY BLACKBIRD FORAGING

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

As I was filming a Great Blue Heron, and standing as still as a tree, the beautiful Rusty Blackbird flew on the scene, not four feet away! My heart skipped a beat and I quickly turned my camera on the little blackbird. It’s foraging habit of flipping leaves to uncover insects and plant matter was fascinating and my only wish was that he stayed longer than a brief minute.

Scientists only relatively recently became aware of the dramatic decline of the Rusty Blackbird. Reports show that the population of the RB has plummeted between 80 and 99 percent.

As is the case with so many creatures the whole earth wide, two of the greatest threats facing the Rusty Blackbird are loss of habitat and climate change. The birds are elusive, nesting in remote areas of the great northern boreal forest and wintering over in the wet woodlands of the southeastern United States. Over 80 percent of their winter habitat in the southeast has been lost to development. Changes in the ecosystem of the boreal forests has affected nesting and foraging.

Without doubt, global climate change is the greatest challenge of our day. All living life as we know is in danger. Millions of human lives have been directly impacted by the Earth’s warming temperature. We are at risk of losing thousands of species of flora and wild creatures.

Read more here.

Non-breeding Male Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)

FRIENDS! STUNNING SPECIES OF WILDLIFE MIGRATING ALONG THE SHORES OF CAPE ANN RIGHT NOW -Today’s Feature: the Rusty Blackbird!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

I often think of May as the magical month of migration through Massachusetts, but am beginning to think of October in the same light. At this time of year I don’t have much spare time but when you go out for even the briefest walk, you will encounter beautiful creatures not usually seen. Several days ago it was a Rusty Blackbird! I was only able to capture a single photo, but did catch half a minute of footage. He was pecking vigorously at the water’s edge, lifting and flipping leaves as he darted about looking for insects and plant matter.

Not only do they eat plants and insects, but they have also been documented attacking and eating other birds including sparrows and Robins.

Rusty Blackbirds are migrating through Cape Ann. They breed in the boggy boreal forests of the far north. During winter Rusty Blackbirds can be found at pond edges, swamps, and wet woodlands.

Rusty Blackbirds are mysteriously in sharp decline and sadly, their population has plummeted an estimated 80-99 percent.

Non-breeding Male Rusty Blackbird