Hi,
I'm a beginning birder and am wondering whether it's possible that I saw a 
shiny cowbird in Hanover this week. The bird I saw was in a large bush along 
Rip Road (a residential neighborhood). I didn't hear it call, but the first thing I 
noticed was its deep purple color and darker black wings. It looked 
substantially smaller than a grackle and had a slender black beak and tail. It 
sat horizontally on a branch for a few moments and then flew deeper into the 
bush.

The only picture in my Peterson guide that really resembles what I saw is the 
shiny cowbird, but the book says these birds are only beginning to spread in 
North America. Does anyone know whether they have been spotted in this 
area? Are there other similar-looking birds that I'm overlooking?
Thanks for any help,
Erin

****************************************************************
To post messages, send e-mail to:  [log in to unmask]
Set your e-mail application to PLAIN TEXT ONLY to post messages.
To contact the list owner:  [log in to unmask]
----------------------------------------------------------------
Web based archives and subscription management are available at:
http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html
****************************************************************