Swamp SparrowRCAS completed 21 years of monitoring West Rutland Marsh on July 21. Despite the increasing heat of the day and the promise of threatening weather, six participants observed 47 species.
Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens are still very vocal while both Alder and Willow flycatchers have resumed singing after going silent for much of July.
A Barred Owl was heard in the far distance. No other raptors or any vultures were seen.
Several young birds were observed, many with adults near. These included Northern Rough-winged Swallow, American Redstart and Swamp Sparrow. An Eastern Phoebe was seen carrying food.
American RedstartThe cuckoos, heard everywhere earlier this year, were silent. One cuckoo, not identified to species, was seen briefly as it flew across the road.
Numerous Red-eyed Vireos were heard, but no Warbling Vireos. A Yellow-throated Vireo, a species not often reported on this walk, was heard along Whipple Hollow Road near the intersection with Water Street.
It was a relief to get on to the new Whipple Hollow Trail, into the woods on the first half at least, and out of the sun and heat. It was somewhat quiet, however. Only one Northern Waterthrush sang compared to the six or so heard earlier in the season. A Pine Warbler was singing in the white pines in the stretch between boardwalks. The Sedge Wren seen in the meadow since late May was not observed although there have been several reports this week.
Other warbler species than mentioned above included Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler and a good number of Common Yellowthroat (24!)
A trip report of all the species seen can be found here.
The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, 7 a.m.