Rusty Blackbird? Mixed with Red-winged: Cherokee County, NC (2 Viewers)

[memlhd]

Merlin was consistently telling me there were rusty blackbirds in this flock of what I think was mainly red-winged blackbirds. I know these pictures are not great, but before I could get close a red-shouldered hawk dive bombed the tree and scattered the birds. Any chance someone could confirm a rusty blackbird ID?

 

[Bewick]

Your raptor is a Red-tailed hawk, not a Red-shouldered- dark patagial marking, breast band and red tail.

 

[THE_FERN]

[Agree red-tailed hawk (it has a red tail !) Lots of forensics with a graphics program might answer the blackbird question]

 

[memlhd]

[Agree red-tailed hawk (it has a red tail !) Lots of forensics with a graphics program might answer the blackbird question]

Thank you, Bewick and The_Fern. There is a red-shouldered that frequents that spot, so I just assumed without looking very carefully. But went back today (no hawks) and a not-great but better picture.

 

[Bewick]

Thank you, Bewick and The_Fern. There is a red-shouldered that frequents that spot, so I just assumed without looking very carefully. But went back today (no hawks) and a not-great but better picture. View attachment 1624335

Assume you know this already, but yes these are Rusty blackbirds.

 

[memlhd]

Assume you know this already, but yes these are Rusty blackbirds.

Thank you. I assumed, as I knew they weren't red-winged, but the confirmation is nice. They weren't making any noise.