The Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz starts in Ohio today, March 1
and runs through mid-April.

Over the last two decades, scientists have made huge strides in
understanding Rusty Blackbirds on their breeding and wintering grounds.
However, we still know surprisingly little about their migration. In 2014,
the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group launched a three-year
citizen science monitoring project, the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration
Blitz, to learn more about their spring migration.

Visit http://rustyblackbird.org/ to learn more about Rusty Blackbirds and
the Spring Migration Blitz.

Blitz Objectives:
Learn about Rusty Blackbird migration patterns and timing
Identify potentially important migratory sites for Rusty Blackbirds
Assess how consistently Rusty Blackbirds utilize migratory sites within and
among years
Strengthen partnership efforts to recognize and address Rusty Blackbird
conservation
Promote awareness and engagement among birders and the public regarding
Rusty Blackbirds

The project challenges birders throughout the range to seek and report
Rusty Blackbirds during spring migration. To participate, bird as you
normally do, focusing on appropriate habitats. It’s important for us to
know when and where you looked—even if you don’t find any Rusties. Report
your data via eBird using the “Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz”
option.

How You Can Help
Participate in the Blitz and report your data via eBird at ebird.org.
Report Rusty Blackbirds using eBird whenever you see them, all year long.
Every observation can help us learn more!
Spread the word—tell a friend or your local Audubon chapter about the Blitz.
Help the National Wildlife Refuge System learn more about how and when
Rusties and other your sightings!

Ken Ostermiller
Judy Kolo-Rose
Ohio Spring Rusty Blackbird Migration Blitz coordinators​

______________________________________________________________________

Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society.
Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php.
Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list.


You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at:
listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS
Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]