Yellow WarblerEach year July marks an important milestone for Rutland County Audubon as it means another full year of monthly monitoring of West Rutland Marsh. And so today completes our 14th year.
148 species have been observed to date – the latest addition was Blackpoll Warbler this past May. It should be noted we have had 1,906 participants (albeit many repeats!) joining in the effort to count the birds. Perhaps as significant, it has brought attention to the marsh and raised awareness of the importance of preserving it.
Today 14 participants tallied 57 species, our highest for the month of July, and one more than counted last year. A Least Bittern, seen and heard frequently this season, was observed by early participants. An American Bittern was seen in flight. A Great Blue Heron was observed as well as four Green Herons, one of which was at close range and was vocalizing.
There is still plenty of evidence of the breeding season – from a young Virginia Rail crossing the road to a Yellow Warbler and a Chestnut-sided Warbler carrying food for young. A Common Yellowthroat gave a distraction display.
looking for warblers along Whipple Hollow RoadFive Red-bellied Woodpeckers, first noted on our marsh walk in December 2014, were observed along with eight Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
There is still plenty of bird song with Marsh Wrens and Swamp Sparrows the most vocal. A Wood Thrush and a Hermit Thrush were heard in the distance and American Redstarts and Black-and-White Warblers were much in evidence.
Our next walk, kicking off our 15th year, will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 7 a.m.
Today’s list:
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 17
American Bittern 1
Least Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 4
Virginia Rail 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 8
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Willow Flycatcher 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 6
Eastern Kingbird 9
Warbling Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 11
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 4
Common Raven 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 19
Bank Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 11
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
House Wren 1
Marsh Wren 11
Veery 18
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 15
Gray Catbird 12
European Starling 6
Cedar Waxwing 33
Ovenbird 8
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 24
American Redstart 13
Yellow Warbler 7
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 15
Swamp Sparrow 23
Northern Cardinal 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 26
Common Grackle 13
House Finch 3
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 17
House Sparrow 3