How many of you are familiar with the Rusty Blackbird Blitz? Pierre Howard and myself are coordinating the effort here in Georgia. This is the first in a series of posts to spread the word about what's happening and how people can get involved. It's BIG, it's IMPORTANT. We'd love to have your help . . . the Rusty Blackbirds NEED your help.

To briefly frame the situation, Rusty Blackbirds are in trouble - serious trouble. In fact, 95% of the population has disappeared in the last 60 years. Despite the severity of this decline, conservationists have been slow to sound the warning - slow to focus their energies on solving the problem.

Fortunately, a few dedicated people have organized a broad, multi-state effort focused on understanding the population dynamics of the remaining birds. Every Georgia birder now has the opportunity to join in this critical effort.

It's simple. Between January 30th and February 15th, just do what you already planned on doing. . . go birding! Rusties love any woods near water - so when you're in that kind of habitat (in a swamp or along a wooded river) make note of whether (or not) you see Rusty Blackbirds. The only other step in the process involves entering your sightings into eBird. All the directions will be there waiting for you on the eBird website. That brings us to the next question. . .

Do you use eBird? I know some folks don't want to fool with it. That's understandable. At first, I was a little reluctant myself. But believe me, signing up is painless. And once you have your account, you quickly realize a truly fantastic tool is at your fingertips. It's great to manage your life list(s) (County, State, and beyond!), to see what thousands of people are seeing all over the country, AND you can become part of the recovery of the Rusty Blackbird at the same time.

It's a WIN - WIN situation.

For those of you who haven't "broken the eBird seal" yet, go check it out in the next week. . . sign up. Pop some observations from your backyard in there. See how it works.

If you have questions about it, email me. Also, Joel McNeal (j.mcneal@yahoo.com) has offered up his extensive knowledge of eBird as well. We can work out the kinks together and do some really great work for Rusty Blackbirds in January and February!

Take care all. . . and if you have any questions about the Blitz or eBird, please send me an email. I'm happy to help in any way I can.

Nathan Farnau East Atlanta (DeKalb County)

P.S. more info about Rusty Blackbirds and the Rusty Blackbird Blitz can be found at: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rusty_Blackbird/

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