Six socially-distanced RCAS board members conducted the monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh this morning, marking the start of our 20th year of monitoring. Forty-three species were tallied. This compares to 48 species one year ago and our August average of 45 species. Our first walk in 2001 tallied 45 species and featured a least bittern and a brown thrasher.
As summer progresses and with bird song diminishing, we needed to be extra alert for the presence of birds. Young of the year are growing rapidly with some still chasing parents for food. A group of yellow-bellied sapsuckers, probably a family, was seen along Whipple Hollow Road. Ten sapsuckers were seen in total for the morning.
Virginia RailA highlight of the morning was two Virginia rails along the boardwalk, one appearing to be an immature. A couple of swamp sparrows were also seen along that spot, but no marsh wrens were heard or seen during the walk.
Several red-eyed vireos, with a few warbling vireos thrown in, were seen along the route, especially along Marble Street. Among the vireos there was at least one Philadelphia vireo. Gray catbird and American goldfinch numbers were also high.
A daring ruby-throated hummingbird chased a belted kingfisher for quite a distance at a high altitude. And at a feeder along Whipple Hollow Road, three, maybe four hummingbirds were chasing each other.
The only raptor of the day was an American kestrel sitting on a snag out in the marsh off Pleasant street.
Warblers included black-and-white warbler, yellow warbler, American redstart, chestnut-sided warbler and common yellowthroat.
The list: