As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Wednesday 18 April 2018

Blackbird Could Edge Puffin as Cannon Beach's Official Bird


April 5, 2018, at 3:05 p.m.
By BRENNA VISSER, The Daily Astorian

CANNON BEACH, Ore. (AP) — As a part of the 12 Days of Earth Day celebration, Cannon Beach will be asked to consider designating an official city bird.

But don't get too excited, tufted puffins. A different bird could be brought into the spotlight: the red-winged blackbird.

The medium-sized, black-and-red songbird loves marshes, brushy swamps and chirping on city power lines. They relish pecking out the seeds of invasive plants and fiercely protecting habitat — whether the trespasser be a fellow bird or an elk. But most importantly, the species is an abundant and longtime inhabitant of the beach town.

"Red-winged blackbirds have been in that habitat forever. It seemed to fit the character of Cannon Beach," said Neal Maine, a wildlife photographer who serves on the 12 Days of Earth Day committee. "They are a part of the downtown, which is kind of rare to have a bird colony right in the central part of the community."

Continued  

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