There were six birds to the sun that morning, & join one who was there. This one gave me a revelation on Blackbird positions. He came to a tree 4 yards away, just as blackbirds do, behind a shrub, but after scamming he brought confidence & came out in a clear space I studied him with the glass. I could even see his white eye. He took a beautiful position facing me, his body crouched, wings closed but widely spread, & the legs bent, all the feet almost touched the body: Shall have to try this position for mounting. Glance reached about 2 o'clock & fell to 24 at sunset, round N.E. Cloudy & threatening snow. In fact, spits a little.