ML647080206

Observation details

Exact count. Yesterday I noted many smaller birds within the grackle flocks that perched for a short while on the tall towers as they left their roosts south of here. Today I brought my spotting scope to examine the flocks and noted that the smaller birds were Bronzed Cowbirds. Like the grackles, they perched on the towers for only a few minutes before flying north. The photos show 13 cowbirds perched among the grackles, majority are to the right side. Through the scope I could see the red eyes and the thick neck ruff of the males. The flight shot shows the smaller cowbirds flying with the grackles. These birds were here around 7:25 and gone by 7:30.

Additional species

• Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus