Was it summer or was it fall? Today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh was a toss-up between warm temperatures and red maples turning red. It was great to have a full complement of birders on today’s walk – 14 in all. Thanks to the new folks that joined us as well as those who traveled a bit to join us!
We tallied 33 species, five fewer than our September average and two few than last year this time. The south wind, which picked up as the walk progressed, which may have kept numbers low.
Raptors are on the move. Two red-tailed hawks, one sharp-shinned hawk and one osprey. Six turkey vultures were seen.
Sparrow-wise, a few swamp sparrows were still singing while the white-throated sparrows have arrived. Several song sparrows and a chipping sparrow were also counted.
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 8 a.m.
The list:
Three Carolina wrens were singing as well as a warbling vireo.
Ruby-crowned kinglets are now passing through.
Part of the group split off to explore the new Whipple Hollow Trail and saw some additional species including a Cooper’s hawk and a yellow-rumped warbler.