Four hardy souls braved today’s frigid temperature and wind for this morning’s 175th consecutive monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Despite the weather, 18 species were tallied. This compares to 20 species a year ago.
None of the species were unexpected, but a small flock of Cedar Waxwings looked beautiful in flight in the morning light. Two Common Ravens were vocalizing and fussing near their usual nest site in the quarries.
A single American Robin was eating berries while chickadees were taking advantage of the various feeders along the route. American Tree Sparrows were also much in evidence at the feeders.
At the halfway point, with the wind at our backs and in full sun, the walk turned into a very pleasant experience.
Today’s list:
Mourning Dove 8
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 14
American Crow 8
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 34
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 1
European Starling 9
Cedar Waxwing 12
American Tree Sparrow 13
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 13
Northern Cardinal 6
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 4