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.