Alaska

This is the second year of this project, which in Alaska is a partnership between Audubon Alaska, the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Rusty Blackbirds, although numerous, are declining alarmingly, putting them on the Red List of the Alaska WatchList. The causes of decline aren’t well understood, so researchers are scrambling to find out more.

Here’s where you can help, from anywhere! All you have to do is enter your bird sightings in eBird or print out this datasheet, whether you do or do not see a Rusty Blackbird. If you went out looking them but didn’t see any, that’s useful too; the goal is to document when Rusty Blackbirds first start appearing in Alaska and when migration seems to wind down. When you login to eBird, on the second data entry page, select “Other–Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz” under “Observation Type”.

Resources

• What does a Rusty Blackbird look like?
• What does a Rusty Blackbird sound like? Listen to songs and calls in the Audubon Online Bird Guide.
• For more information about the Blitz or if you want to participate outside of Alaska, visit the Rusty Blackbird Blitz website or Facebook page.
• For more information about participating in Alaska or eBird questions, please email Beth Peluso or call 907-276-7034.