Rusty Blackbird - Prospect Ponds NA (Larimer)

[John Shenot]

This morning, I chased two birds reported by Lori Zabel at Prospect Ponds Natural Area in Fort Collins (on Sharp Point Drive). I came across Lori Pivonka and Sheila Webber and we searched unsuccessfully for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. However, we found and photographed a female Rusty Blackbird in non-breeding plumage which had been tentatively ID'ed by Lori Zabel yesterday. The blackbird was seen by other birders and still present as of noon. It was seen in the Russian-olives between the bike path and the northernmost pond (closest to E Prospect Dr). This is just north of the natural area parking lot closest to E Prospect Dr. 

John Shenot

Fort Collins, CO