What could be better the day after being cooped up by a snowstorm than walking around the West Rutland Marsh for the monthly monitoring walk and the the Great Backyard Bird Count? Six participants tallied 19 species, four less than last year, but one more than our 13-year average.
Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees were the birds of the day with high numbers of each (41 and 37 respectively).
American Tree Sparrows were taking advantage of the feeders near the boardwalk and at two homes along the route.
A large flock of American Robins flew overhead, landing briefly in the trees. They were accompanied by 12 Cedar Waxwings.
A Red-tailed Hawk was making a racket in the white pines, a potential nesting area, perhaps?
A Sharp-shined Hawk was spotted in a tree near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Whipple Hollow Road. Coincidentally (or not), a sharpie was photographed in West Rutland this morning feasting on what looked to be a Mourning Dove. You can see the photo at the RCAS Facebook page (be sure to like us if you haven’t already done so!).
Our next walk, the 152nd, is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 8 AM.
Today's list:
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 6
Mourning Dove 12
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 41
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 37
Tufted Titmouse 1
American Robin 36
European Starling 16
Cedar Waxwing 12
American Tree Sparrow 18
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 8
Northern Cardinal 3
American Goldfinch 9
House Sparrow 7