Rusty Blackbirds and Swamp Sparrow in Luria Park

This afternoon we saw a flock of about 20 Rusty Blackbirds in Luria Park in the flood plain before you get to the boardwalk coming from Raymondale.

This is a pair of Rusty Blackbirds, the male is on the left.

This a female Rusty Blackbird.

To find a flock of them in a swampy area is unusual. The Rusty Blackbird is one of the most rapidly declining species of songbird in North America. The reason is unknown. They winter in our area and will migrate north and breed in Northern Canada. We were thrilled to see them in our neighborhood and wish them well on their journey northward. This is the first time we have seen them in Luria Park.

Another bird that is a first for us to see in Luria Park is the Swamp Sparrow. We saw this little guy pecking at the clay along the creek bank under the roots across from the bridge.

The top of his head is a distinctive russet line bordered by gray with spots of black.

Not an uncommon bird but one with wonderful markings that help conceal him on the muddy ground where he likes to feed.

Eastern Bluebirds in Our Yard

This morning, March 4th, after a covering of heavy spring snow, I observed a pair of Eastern Bluebirds perched near our suet feeder. This was a first for us, having Bluebirds in our yard.  We have observed them in Luria Park where there are nesting boxes set up around the perimeter. Bluebirds do not usually come to feeders unless meal worms are offered. Our meal worm feeder is currently empty as we usually fill it later in spring hoping to attract Warblers.

So, imagine my surprise at seeing this pair so very interested in our offerings. They couldn't access our suet feeder as it's designed for Woodpeckers and smaller songbirds. So I cut a piece of suet into small bits and laid the pieces along the deck railing. All the while the male Bluebird was watching me from a nearby branch. As soon as I went inside. The female Bluebird swooped down and gobbled as much suet as she could until the male scared her away and had his fill.

I hope that this pair will make a nest near our yard and visit our meal worm feeder. Fingers crossed! Here are photos I took of the male and female Eastern Bluebirds who visited us this morning.