Barr Lake blackbirds
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Charles Hundertmark
Jan 26, 2014, 6:17:53 PM1/26/14
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On a DFO field trip to Barr Lake below the dam we heard and saw two Rusty Blackbirds. We were first attracted by a song that sounded somewhat like a European Starling. The bird we found in a cottonwood singing, however, was a blackbird with a pale yellow eye. We debated whether it was a Brewer's or Rusty Blackbird. After listening to recordings of Rusty and Brewer's songs and calls, observing the bird, and looking at photos we obtained of the bird. We concluded it was a Rusty Blackbird. The bird ultimately dropped down into cattails. On our return walk, we found the bird again with a partner.
Photos are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/chundertmark/12161686594/
I'm not sure if the bill fits Rusty Blackbird well, but the plumage appears to be a male Rusty with winter plumage wearing toward breeding plumage. Opinions welcome.
The birds were along the ditch below the Barr Lake dam at the dirt bridge across the ditch with the sign to Blinds 6&7.
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