I'd been trying to get pics of this bird the whole time I was at the hotel without success. As I was ready to leave for the botanical gardens, I stepped out on the balcony one last time and snapped these.
[Linked Image]This bird had reminded me of a crow from the start as it seemed to be totally black. No crow is this small, however. This is about half the size. It was most definitely not a starling, and it didn't look like a grackle to me. No matter what angle the sunlight, I saw no iridescence. The only thing I could come up with was a Rusty Blackbird which is described as being entirely black in plumage in spring and summer (males). However, they are also described as having pale yellow eyes, which I had not noticed.

Then I took a look at the picture I had snapped just prior to the one above.
[Linked Image]
From atop my 8-story hotel--I was on the 7th floor. It does appear to have a pale eye.
Rusty Blackbirds have suffered a precipitous decline in numbers, likely from environmental factors, so they are becoming quite rare.
What do you think, Thorny?

Terry

May the force be with you