Populations of the rusty blackbird have declined alarmingly over the past 30 years. Because relatively little is known about the reasons for this decline, scientists are seeking information about where this species is found during the wintering period, when it visits the southeast. 

Citizens can get involved by taking part in the Rusty Blackbird Blitz. All that is needed is to go birding between January 29th and February 13th, and enter your observations on the Ebird online database.

The City of Gainesville’s Nature Operations Division would like to encourage participants to look for rusty blackbirds in City of Gainesville nature parks. We can suggest areas to survey, or if you have a favorite city nature park that you plan to survey, let us know. We are not able to cover all of the possibly suitable areas, so coordinating can help us focus our staff and volunteer efforts in areas that would not otherwise be covered.

You can email parksgr@cityofgainesville.org or call 352-393-8437.