Six birders tallied 27 species during the December 2022 walk around West Rutland Marsh. No snow, no ice and a higher than normal temperature made the walk a bit un-Decemberlike.
Waterfowl consisted of Canada Goose, American Black Duck and one Common Merganser.
Two raptor species were seen: Bald Eagle, an immature circling over the ridge, and a Cooper’s Hawk over the meadow along the Whipple Hollow Trail.
The walk opened with two Carolina Wrens singing along Marble Street. Further down the road a small flock of Eastern Bluebirds was seen and a flock of American Robins flew overhead.
A late Swamp Sparrow was observed at the end of the Marble Street boardwalk. That, along with American Tree Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco, represented the sparrows.
A full list of the species seen can be found here.
Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 8 a.m.