Lyn and all, Rusty Blackbird sightings can and should be entered into eBird year-round. Our formerly common 'swamp blackbird' has declined 85% during the four recent decades based on CBC results. Researchers need more information. Join the eastern North America census effort this winter. The third annual Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz is scheduled January 30 through February 15, 2011. During this period it's important to pursue Rusty Blackbirds anywhere you've seen them in the past. Watch for small numbers of rusties among large numbers of mixed blackbirds, too. Check potential hotspots, count the birds, report them at eBird. We'll pass along more information soon. No need to wait, Google "Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz" and go to the National Zoo link for authoritative information and great images. Go now by following this link: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/research/rusty_blackbird/blitz .cfm Tom Bain Ohio Coordinator Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz -----Original Message----- From: Ohio birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lyn Miller Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 7:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [Ohio-birds] Rusty Blackbird Geauga County Snowy Greetings from Auburn Township in Geauga County! I was pleased to find a Rusty Blackbird at my feeder this morning. It was on the ground amongst some Mourning Doves, but no other blackbirds or starlings were present. A couple of Carolina Wrens are enjoying peanuts and suet- regular visitors so far this year. Do I remember someone who wanted sightings of Rusties, or was that only during breeding season? Anyone remember? Thanks, Lyn Miller ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask] ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]