This male Rusty Blackbird, in its non-breeding colours can be spotted at times in open water in the mountains. In this case, near a cold spring. They are not being spotted as often as they were in the past. One of the bird species that had a major decline in its population. Between 1966 and 2019, there was a 75 percent decline in their population. Scientists are working to get a better idea of the full reasoning behind this. Their low densities and remote breeding habitat make it a challenge.
They primarily eat insects and plant matter but rare, they will sometimes attack and eat birds. Examples include sparrows, robins, snipes, and others. In this case, this one and its buddy were looking for insects in the water. Both were shy when I came across them. So, I stayed in one place, using shrubs as a blind. Before long, one was in full view of me, providing me with enough time to get a few pictures. I like their non-breeding plumage; they look like they are wearing a mask.
