CTBirders, Cheryl & I enjoyed a nice show of congregating blackbirds off of Vibert Rd in South Windsor this morning. When we arrived about 9:15, the birds were to the right side of the road along the first tree line where the Great-horned Owl nest is (no Owls tho), but spread out about 600-800' or more. We were viewing them from the area of the crossing after the small bridge. The flock was constantly moving towards the CT River, portions of the flock would stay up in the hardwood trees as other portions were dropping down into a field out of site, closer to the river. A conservative estimate would be 3000 birds! About 50% Red-wings 40% Common Grackles and the remainder being Brown-headed cowbirds. There were other birders there and we were all scanning with scopes & bins but didn't locate the Yellow-headed Blackbird, still an impressive display. Cheryl & I then drove to the end of the Station 43 Rd., walked down to the marsh where the road is flooded and saw a Rough-legged Hawk moving across the marsh, gain altitude and move back towards Rt 5 or Easterly. An excellent morning to be out enjoying a mild start to the month of February! Scott Ricker Southwick, MA. Ptbagger(at)Verizon(dot)net   No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.19/1256 - Release Date: 2/2/2008 1:50 PM