Robin was the word of the day for January’s monitoring of West Rutland Marsh! Of the 20 species tallied, American robins were the most abundant with about 130 in all, some in sizable flocks. But, no, it did not feel, like spring was in the air.
The day started at minus 8 degrees, but sunshine and no wind, made it almost bearable. The eight participants managed to keep warm by being bundled up in everything they own and walking briskly in spots where no birds were to be seen.
Twenty species is the same number we saw a year ago and one less than our average for the month of January.
No raptors were seen, but one red-tailed hawk was heard. Three woodpeckers, either downy or hairy, were drumming. Though not in full song, birds were more vocal than they were on our December walk no doubt in response to the longer days (though certainly not the temperature!).
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 19, at 8 a.m. That count is scheduled to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count.
The list: