A mixed blackbird flock dropped into my backyard this morning. I'd guess around 200 birds of roughly equal numbers of Red-wings, and Grackles, and (1) 1st winter male YELLOW-HEADED. I've lived here for 20 years and frequently get large blackbird flocks on mild winter days that feverishly search for a morsel or two. They never stay more than a couple minutes. I figured it was only a matter of time before one of those black beauties would show up here. Coincidentally one was reported from a backyard less than a mile from here last winter.

It seems that this is a somewhat common occurance; that stray Yellow-headeds join up with mixed blackbird flocks in winter. Anybody know how frequently?

Craig Rieker
Parma