I took these shots at Wildwood Lake in Harrisburg, PA (USA) in mid-March. I think the bird in the marsh (two shots) is a Rusty Blackbird male in breeding plumage based on location and the dull matte black color and I think the one on the branch may be a Common Grackle due to the long tail and hints of purple/blue on the wings, but I'd like some help with these.
I don't think that is a Common Grackle, I think the tail needs to be a tiny bit longer. But Grackles are one I usually ID by behavior: they like to show off their tails, and they fan them asymmetrically - to one side or the other. Even in flight they tend to twist their tails slightly. We have Rusty and Brewers Blackbirds here - I haven't had much luck telling them all apart.
Agree with Rusty Blackbird - as well as the tail, the bill is also too small for a Grackle.
Resin
