While reading everyone else's spring sightings in my dark cubicle at work this morning, I got a call from home to report 50 RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS had descended on the feeders, our first of the year (and for the yard list!). By the time I got home, there were only 49 of the rascals I could locate, but that was enough to make me happy. New arrivals also included 3 SAVANNAH SPARROWS and loose group of 15 or so COMMON GRACKLES. Why checking everything out, I noticed a "grackle" that didn't quite fit in and was rewarded with a male BREWER'S BLACKBIRD. He was in fine form with clearly purple head, white eyes, a thin, light-colored beak and that oh-so-not grackle tail.
 
Here is hoping for some breaks in the precipitation for the weekend!
 
 
Ray Wickline
DC at work
Middletown MD at home