![]() They have learned that human neighbours-with their parks, gardens, flower beds and lush lawns-offer plenty of excellent dining, good habitat to raise babies, and modest protection from predators. Such is the experience many town and city dwellers now have with these large herbivores. ![]() It stared at us, quite unconcerned, before eventually hopping off. I can be reached at a warm afternoon last week, while turning into a campground in central Saskatchewan, we encountered a very tame White-tailed Jackrabbit munching in the ditch. I would also be glad to collect records to pass on. If you see a Rusty Blackbird (do an online search for ID features if you don’t have a good bird book), please report the sighting on eBird. I encourage everyone to pay close attention to any blackbirds seen in Central Alberta during the spring and fall migration, and especially during the winter. The historical removal of beavers (and with them the loss of necessary wetland breeding habitat) and high mercury contamination are also possible contributing factors. where about 80% of the population overwinters. The loss of wooded wetland habitat is likely the main cause, especially the southeastern U.S. Breeding Bird Surveys estimate that their numbers have dropped by 89% since 1966! So concerned are scientists about this precipitous decline that a Rusty Blackbird Working Group ( ) has been formed. ![]() Sadly, Rusty Blackbird populations have undergone one of the sharpest and most mystifying declines (on both their breeding and wintering grounds) of any North American songbird. Some occasionally overwinter (there were reports of a small flock in Clive last winter) but they have never been recorded on a Central Alberta Christmas Bird Count. In Central Alberta, they are most commonly seen moving through on spring and fall migration. Rusty Blackbirds breed in wet forests, bogs, muskegs and beaver ponds across the boreal forests of the continent. In the winter, both sexes are very distinctive, as their winter plumage is a unique rusty bronze (although their name is based on their call, which sounds like a rusty door hinge). The females are brownish to rusty colored with yellow eyes and a pale eyebrow. Male Rusty Blackbirds in breeding plumage are a dark glossy black with light eyes, resembling small Common Grackles. Luckily, this individual was both vocal (so I got to listen to its unique chattering) and tame (so I was able to get some photos). ![]() Last winter, some friends near Empress, SK had one overwinter in their yard, eating sunflower seeds. They were sometimes seen in single flocks and sometimes in the company of Red-winged Blackbirds. Almost every small bush-lined pothole seemed to be alive with Rusty Blackbirds moving south on migration. There, flitting along the edge of a small wetland, we saw them! And then we saw more, and more. My first sightings came in September, when we were looking for Whooping Cranes north of Saskatoon. Every spring and fall since that first sighting, my searches for them have been in vain.įinally, last fall, my luck changed. It was while doing an ABBA survey south of Rocky Mountain House that I saw my first pair of Rusty Blackbirds. Tax rate of 6.When I was the Central Alberta Regional Coordinator for the Alberta Breeding Bird Atlas (ABBA) between 1987-1991, I spent much of my spare time birding in the foothills. As you make your way downstairs to the finished basement you will find a huge bonus room, another bathroom, and another bedroom! Plus a full room with an abundance of storage.(Would make an amazing works-shop or another bedroom! The backyard offers a covered deck, garden beds, and just the right amount of lawn. The bathroom features a separate glass-enclosed shower, creating an oasis of relaxation. The master suite on the main level is a luxurious retreat, complete with a walk-in closet and a spa-like ensuite bathroom. The chef's kitchen is adorned with stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop with a hood, double ovens, and a wide, expansive island! This kitchen is a chef's dream! This home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, plus an office with french doors, each thoughtfully designed to provide both privacy and comfort. Miller Park, with its miles of hiking and biking trails, 2.5 Acre Adventure Playground, zip lines, soccer fields, an amphitheater and more! Gorgeous open one-level floor plan! The beautiful high-end finishes are sure to appeal to even the pickiest of buyers. ASK ME about a RATE BUY DOWN!!!! This is move-in ready in the desirable, low-tax subdivision of Park Preserve in Castle Rock, Colorado! You'll love this community's proximity to Philip S.
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