Rusty Blackbirds, or "Rusties," have endured a population decline more severe than that of any other once-common landbird. Michigan is an important migratory stopover for Rusties during their northward, Canada-bound journey in the spring, but scientists have yet to find specific stopover hotspots that can be protected to ensure this species has safe and productive refueling stations.
We hope Michigan birders will take part in the citizen science project to monitor Rusty Blackbirds by joining our Rusty Blackbird Blitz contest. Go birding, collect data, and win prizes.
The Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz (or "the Blitz") is a continent-wide effort to engage citizen scientists in finding and counting these elusive blackbirds with the ultimate goal of creating well-informed conservation guidelines. This is a three-year program that began in 2014 and includes partners such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, eBird, and many other state, federal, and local partners. In 2014, 4,750 birders participated in the Blitz and researchers used those observations to learn about potential migratory hotspots, habitat use, and potential migratory pathways.
Rusty Blackbird by Craig Fritz
Based on the results of the 2014 Blitz, the coordinators have identified Areas of Interest (AOI) that supported large flocks of Rusties during last spring's migration. In 2015, birders can help learn more about consistency in habitat use by revisiting these AOI. Click on the markers below to find out where Michigan's AOI are located (coordinates are approximate). A few AOI are on private property, so please be respectful and obtain appropriate permissions if you want to bird on private property. Whoever submits the most checklists at an AOI during the Blitz will receive a prize, but you must sign up for our contest below to win!Learn more at: http://www.michiganaudubon.org/rusty-blackbird-blitz-contest/ For more information on identifying Rusties, finding Rusty habitat, and how to submit your sightings, please visit www.rustyblackbird.org.
