Red-winged BlackbirdThe bright blue sky and brilliant foliage made today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh very enjoyable. Twenty-two participants found 29 species. This is quite a bit less than last year’s 37. The October average is 32.
Highlights included two blue-headed vireos, both singing and one seen. A single pine siskin was detected among the goldfinches.
Waterfowl consisted of Canada geese, mallards and American black ducks, none in any great number. Woodpeckers seen were downy woodpecker, northern flicker and yellow-bellied sapsucker.
Raptors were represented by one red-tailed hawk and one sharp-shinned hawk.
Red-winged blackbirds are on the move with 500 counted. Grackle numbers were quite a bit lower with only five.
White-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos have returned to the marsh. No doubt tree sparrows will appear soon. Three swamp sparrows were seen or heard while the marsh wrens have departed. Three song sparrows were also observed.
Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, at 8 a.m.
Today's list: