Once again the predicted bad weather did not materialize for today’s monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Seven participants, enjoying the warmer temperatures, tallied 24 species. This beats last year’s count of 19 and our November average of 19.
A woodie, a hoodie and mallards – ducks somehow seem appropriate to the marsh as it slips into dormancy, but while there is still open water. One each of the first two species was seen while Mallards, in small groups, were tucked here and there in the reeds.
Also appropriate to the season, Wild Turkey was seen in abundance – a flock of 37 near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Whipple Hollow Road. A Ruffed Grouse was also observed in low flight across a weedy field and into the woods along Whipple Hollow Road.
Highbush CranberryA highlight of the walk was an immature Northern Harrier sweeping across the length of the marsh. A Red-tailed Hawk was in flight along the ridge.
A Purple Finch was observed munching on ash seeds in the same area one was seen during the October walk.
American Tree Sparrows have taken up their winter quarters by the feeders near the boardwalk. They and Dark-eyed Juncos were the only sparrow species observed today.
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 8 a.m.
Today’s list:
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 13
Hooded Merganser 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 36
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 23
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 11
Black-capped Chickadee 26
Tufted Titmouse 5
European Starling 21
American Tree Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4
Northern Cardinal 2
House Finch 1
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 9
House Sparrow 3