Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz
by David Tessler
We need your help! We are encouraging Alaskans throughout the state to look for and report Rusty Blackbirds whenever and wherever they see them through the Spring migration. We are researching the disastrous decline of this species, and are coordinating a continental effort to record observations throughout their migration to track migratory patterns and dates.
- What: Report migrating Rusty Blackbirds!
- Where: Statewide outside.
- When: April 12-May 31.
The Rusty Blackbird has declined by 90–98% since 1966, and continues to decline by a rate of 5%–12% per year. The causes of decline aren’t well understood, so researchers are scrambling to find out more. Please help! All you have to do is look for Rusty Blackbirds and report your observations online in eBird or on a written data sheet. If you go out looking but don’t see any, that’s important to report also. For information go to ak.audubon.org/rusty-
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
David F. Tessler
Regional Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Diversity Program
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99518
Phone: (907) 267-2332
Fax: (907) 267-2433
Email: david.tessler@alaska.gov
Web: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/
Category: Bulletin Board
Seldovia Time
