Rusty blackbird (Eupjagus carolinus) in non-breeding feathers
Rusty blackbirds are on their way south from Canada's boreal forests to spend the winter in eastern portions of the U.S. Although they are relatively uncommon, last week a small flock happened to stop off at a marshy area that my husband and I like to haunt.
Another view
Rusty blackbirds are ground feeders but they also like to spend time perched in trees. Sadly, in all my tree photos they are mere silhouettes. Hmmmm.
Apparently, rusty blackbird populations are on the decline, having plunged an astounding 85 to 99 per cent over the past 40 years. No one seems to know why.
I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE
How clear, with so many details. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteHe is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, RW & SK
Oh they are so pretty I love the way you always capture that. Hug B
ReplyDeleteGorgeous birds
ReplyDeleteOh wow! What a beauty!
ReplyDeleteHe sure is a beautiful bird. I love the colours of his feathers. It's sad to think they are in decline.
ReplyDeleteWow! Much fun! A handsome fella!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Beautiful looking bird, great shots!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this one but the name sure fits. Sad the pop. is declining.
ReplyDeleteDarla
this is really interesting, I have not seen or heard of these birds and he is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteHe's so pretty. Excellent photos. How fortunate you were to see these guys.
ReplyDeletewhat a handsome bird, so sad it's declining so much
ReplyDeletewow! so gorgeous! reminded me of a brindle dog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird! I've never seen or even heard of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird!
ReplyDeletethese are shots that actually shows what the bird looks like. Very nice coloring. :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting plumage. I know birders get very excited when they see a Rusty Blackbird around here.
ReplyDeleteYou have introduced me to many "new" birds and this is another one. Quite an attractive avian, actually. I wonder if they get as far south as Florida. Prob'ly not.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I do not know this bird. How pretty! Thanks for the introduction...I'll probably never seen one anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteHe is a beautiful bird, first time looking at this bird.
ReplyDeleteThey are quite attractive!
ReplyDeleteWow EG, terrific shots! I saw a couple of these last week and could not figure out what they were! Now I know.
ReplyDeleteThe coloration and dappling on this bird is extraordinary!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting bird and great coloring.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos ! Have never sen them down here . Like the Monarch climate and environment is probably causing their decline .
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous - do they sing beautifully like our blackbirds in the UK? pics are so good - Jane UK
ReplyDeleteWonderful images of a new bird for me... many thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the Rusty Blackbird. I have only seen one once, great sighting.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blackbird. Never heard of this kind. Neat shots. MB
ReplyDeleteThose "rusty" feathers really make this blackbird shine out from the more ordinary ones I see. Beautiful bird.....I hate to hear about statistics like that, darn.
ReplyDeleteNice colors.
ReplyDeleteEG, you do a terrific job of photographing birds. These two photos are, as usual, excellent.
ReplyDeleteLove his colors!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job capturing his eye.
Well I never! I didn't even know there was a rusty blackbird..much prettier than its black counterpart!. You captured this rusty beauty so well EG.
ReplyDeleteNow one to me also, but what a smashing species
ReplyDeleteNice birds! I came back from Illinois to Florida too early in the season to see them. Not much hope for them down here!
ReplyDeleteThese are excellent photographs!! Such wonderful detail.
ReplyDeleteNice shots of that handsome bird.
ReplyDeleteUnusual coloring!
ReplyDelete=)
I've seen lots of blackbirds in our area, touches of red and yellow--but never a rusty blackbird :) nice shot.
ReplyDeleteWow, I had not heard of a rusty blackbird....now I am wondering if what I thought was cowbirds was rusty blackbirds??? Need to check into that farther.
ReplyDelete