Conservation News and Articles

Rusty Blackbirds, considered common to abundant one-hundred years ago, have declined precipitously during the last four decades. Estimates of decline vary between 85 percent, based on Christmas Bird Counts, and 97 percent, based on Breeding Bird Survey results along the southern margin of the Rusty’s breeding range. The losses are staggering. Uncertainty is high, Rusty Blackbirds are difficult to find and count during winter. Christmas Bird Counts find small numbers. Breeding Bird Surveys barely penetrate their northern breeding range. But everyone agrees that the formerly abundant Rusty Blackbird is now uncommon to rare almost everywhere it is found, and the species is in trouble.

It’s easy to see birds from your window in winter, and it’s even more fun to know the names of the birds in your yard.  Look up your backyard birds online at these informative resources: All About Birds or e-nature.com .

We have been featuring invasive species in the Song Sparrow for over five years without mention of the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) which arguably could be the poster child for invasives in Ohio, at least to capturing public attention.